Barcelona scenario? A surprise destination opens the door to Xavi's return

After two years of waiting: has the time come for the Blaugrana legend's return?

Xavi is still searching for a new destination since leaving Barcelona, having chosen to hold out for a major project that lets him prove himself again on the touchline.

Now the Barcelona legend and former Catalan coach has emerged as a candidate to become the new head coach of the Netherlands national team.

Talks with the Dutch Football Association are already under way, according to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf. The report confirmed that Xavi met with association representatives recently, who place him at the top of their shortlist alongside former Belgium and Portugal coach Roberto Martínez.

Two years have passed since Xavi last worked in football. He opted to wait for a big opportunity. His name was linked with Manchester United and other high-profile roles in the past, and now he has a genuine chance of landing one of the most prestigious international jobs on the market.

The former midfielder could succeed another Barcelona legend and former coach in Ronald Koeman, who left the Netherlands after their exit against Morocco at the 2026 World Cup.

Xavi took over at Barcelona as Koeman's successor in 2021. The same scenario could now repeat itself with the Netherlands.

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