Odds for next Barcelona manager slashed, with shock name top of the list just ahead of Premier League legend
Xavi will leave his post as Barcelona manager at the end of the 2023/24 season.
The former Catalan midfielder has insisted that his 'battery levels keep running out' and so the quest for a new permanent boss at Camp Nou will naturally begin.
Some surprise names have already been popular with the bookmakers, as many begin to speculate as to who will take over the Barca hot seat come next season.
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Recently-departed Roma boss Jose Mourinho leads the way with SkyBet, priced at just 4/1.
Mourinho spent time with arch rivals Real Madrid from 2010-2013, winning La Liga and the Copa del Rey during his three-year stint at the Bernabeu.
It remains to be seen what comes next for Jose, especially given the emotionally-charged exit he endured in Italy earlier this year.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is second favourite at 5/1, after it was announced he will depart Anfield at nine long years on Merseyside.
Klopp has only ever managed in Germany and England across his career but has hinted he would like to take some time away from the game before making his next move.
Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi is priced at 7/1 and is beginning to make a name for himself across Europe.
His Seagulls' side have been in fine form ever since his arrival and recently advanced to the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa League.
The Italian has been linked with many top jobs, even Liverpool, over the past few weeks, but is another who is remaining tight-lipped on the situation.
"Now it is not my focus," the former Sassuolo boss told the media earlier this week.
"My focus is on my players, my team, my fans, my club.
"We have a lot of things to reach this season and then we will see [about] the future."
Matthew Holt