Xavi Hernandez: Barcelona hierarchy snubbed my request to sign Arsenal star

In a candid interview with La Vanguardia that could sway next month’s Barcelona presidential election, former manager Xavi Hernandez has accused the club’s hierarchy of rejecting his 2023 bid to sign Martin Zubimendi—months before the midfielder eventually moved to Arsenal.

Xavi, who left the Camp Nou dug-out last summer, told the Catalan daily that once Sergio Busquets confirmed his departure, he immediately identified the Real Sociedad pivot as the ideal successor. “I asked them to sign Zubimendi,” Xavi said. “They told me no because of an economic issue.” Twelve months later Zubimendi joined Arsenal, leaving Xavi to lament the lost opportunity to refresh the base of midfield on his own terms.

The 44-year-old used the revelation to underline a wider grievance: that footballing decisions were taken away from the coaching staff and placed in the hands of a board he believes mismanaged the transition. “When we were the ones making the decisions, the team was developing and rising,” he insisted. “When they started making the decisions, the team’s level dropped, and that’s no coincidence.”

The interview, published over the weekend, is the latest salvo in Xavi’s increasingly public rift with incumbent president Joan Laporta, who is seeking a fourth mandate. Xavi, who is actively supporting rival candidate Víctor Font, claims Laporta’s inner circle orchestrated a media campaign against him and even misled senior players about his intentions. “They told Sergi Roberto, Araújo, Pedri and Raphinha that I wanted to sell them,” Xavi said. “That hurts me because it’s not true. We only planned one sale due to FFP constraints, and I fought for Sergi Roberto to renew.”

Away from the boardroom battle, Xavi offered warm words for his successor Hansi Flick, revealing that the German visited his home to apologise after learning that Barça officials had negotiated with him while Xavi was still in charge. “He’s a good guy, very noble, and I’m glad he’s doing well,” Xavi said, stressing that the pair remain in regular contact.

With Barcelona members set to vote for a new president, Xavi’s testimony adds political fuel to a campaign already dominated by questions over financial stewardship, squad planning and the legacy of the club’s legendary No. 6.