Barcelona legend Xavi is poised to take his first steps into management.
Since leaving his beloved Blaugrana after 765 appearances, eight La Liga titles and four Champions League in 2015, the World Cup winner has turned out for Al Sadd in Qatar and lifted three trophies.
Back in November, Xavi announced he would retire at the end of the season and begin the progressive step into coaching.
As per MARCA, the 38-year old is expected to be immediately thrust into the managerial hot-seat at Al-Sadd, taking on the reins from his current boss, former Malaga coach Jesualdo Ferreira.
Though presence in the Asian Champions League could see him continue his playing career for a little longer, the legendary Spain midfielder is set to sign a two-year contract to become manager.
His club have already confirmed a deal is on the table for him to continue working for the Doha-based club beyond the expire of his contract, but haven't stated in what capacity.
"The club have come to the beginning of an agreement for Xavi to continue for two more seasons, although his role has not yet been determined," managing director of the club, Turki Al-Ali said.
"He could continue as a player or just as well in another role, it will be announced soon."
Xavi, with his innate football brain, has always struck you as someone destined to go into coaching and he has admitted he's already begun thinking as a manager.
"I started to think as a coach two or three years ago," he said in an interview with AFP.
"I think that we must follow this legacy of Johan Cruyff, of Frank Rijkaard, [Louis] van Gaal, Pep Guardiola, not only in Barcelona but also in the world of football.
"Everybody enjoyed our style, in Barcelona and the national team. I think we have to follow this way."
The La Masia product has been assisting Felix Sanchez in the Qatar national team set-up, but he says his ultimate goal is to return to Barca.
"My aim is to arrive as a coach at Barcelona," he told L'Equipe back in March
"You never know what will happen, it's not only up to me. It depends on what you're capable of, the situation, the moment, the circumstances. But my objective, what I want to do, it's certain that it's to work for FC Barcelona."
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Xavi, Football News, FC Barcelona, Al Sadd, Football, Barcelona, Spain