Report: Xavi appointment delayed as Barca reluctant to pay release clause

Doha, Nov 5, 2021 (AFP) - Barcelona's attempt to appoint Xavi Hernandez as coach was held up on Friday over his Al Sadd release clause, with Xavi and Barca considering splitting the payment to complete the deal.

Al Sadd announced in a statement earlier on Friday that Barca had agreed to pay the clause in Xavi's contract, which is reportedly set at around 5 million euros ($5.8 million).

But while Barcelona remain confident Xavi will be their new coach, the club disputed that a deal had been agreed and were yet to confirm the Spaniard's appointment almost five hours later.

A source close to negotiations told AFP on Friday discussions were still ongoing over the clause and one possibility was Xavi and Barcelona would each contribute to the payment.

"Al Sadd have said it is official but Barca have not. Let's wait," said Barca's interim coach Sergi Barjuan, who is expected to be in charge for the La Liga game against Celta Vigo on Saturday.

Al Sadd published photos on social media of Xavi saying goodbye to the club's players and staff.

Al Sadd chief executive Turki Al-Ali had earlier said in a statement: "The Al Sadd administration has agreed on Xavi's move to Barcelona after the payment of the release clause stipulated in the contract.

"We've agreed on cooperation with Barcelona in the future. Xavi is an important part of Al-Sadd's history and we wish him success."

Barcelona sent vice-president Rafa Yuste and director of football Mateu Alemany to Doha for talks on Wednesday as the club sought to replace the sacked Ronald Koeman.

But Al-Ali insisted Al Sadd were "committed to keeping Xavi" and they appear to be holding their ground in the negotiations.

"Xavi informed us a few days ago of his desire to go to Barcelona at this particular time, because of the critical stage his hometown club is going through, and we understand this and decided not to stand in his way," Turki Al-Ali added in his statement on Friday.