Barcelona legend Xavi linked with stunning return to management in move that would rock European football

Former Barcelona star Xavi Hernandez has been linked with a shock return to management with a huge European club.

Xavi, 45, parted company with Barcelona at the end of the 2023/24 season having failed to secure silverware since the club’s La Liga success a season earlier.

In January 2024, the former midfielder announced his intention to leave Barca at the end of the season.

He was then persuaded to stay and reversed his decision in April of that year after “discussions” with sporting director Deco and club president Joan Laporta according to The Athletic.

However, he was sacked 30 days later and replaced by Hansi Flick.

In December, he was linked with a move to AC Milan, with Catalan newspaper El Nacional reporting that the 45-year-old was in ‘advanced talks’ to become the Rossoneri’s head coach but no such deal materialised.

Now, reports from French outlet L’Equipe claim that Juventus have “made contact” with the Spaniard in “recent hours” as both parties look to begin “informal discussions”.

Xavi could return to management (Credit:Getty)

However, the club’s reason for the ‘discussions’ is far from straightforward, with Football Italia reporting that Juve “don’t seem intent” on sacking current boss Thiago Motta.

Motta, 42, was appointed as the Turin-based club’s boss in the summer of 2024, after leading Bologna to a fifth-place finish in 2023/24 – securing Champions League qualification.

As things stand, Juve sit fifth in Serie A having lost just once this season – a 2-1 defeat against Napoli on Saturday. But have drawn 13 of their 22 league games this term.

Motta’s has the third-worst win record in the club’s history after 22 league fixtures with just eight wins in Serie A.

The 36-time Italian champions, also sit 17^th in the 36-team Champions League group phase heading into matchday eight when they will face Benfica at the Allianz Stadium on Wednesday.