Former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernández is reportedly on the verge of returning to the coaching scene, with advanced talks reportedly underway between him and AC Milan.

This potential move not only marks a significant step in Xavi’s career but also puts him at the helm of a team featuring Rafael Leão, a star player who was high on FC Barcelona’s wishlist during the last transfer window.

Catalan newspaper El Nacional reports that Xavi Hernandez is in “advanced” negotiations with Milan about potentially taking over the managerial role at the club.

According to the report, the Rossoneri’s management is looking to shift the team’s philosophy and has identified Xavi as the ideal replacement for Fonseca.

Following an inconsistent season, the Rossoneri are seeking a change in style that blends Italian tradition with a more offensive and associative football, characteristics that define Xavi’s coaching philosophy.

While Xavi had previously been linked with teams like Manchester United, which ultimately opted for Ruben Amorim, the opportunity at San Siro now seems the most concrete. The Catalan coach could benefit from a young and ambitious squad, headlined by Rafael Leão, one of Europe’s most dynamic forwards.

Read: Ruben Amorim responds to Marcus Rashford wanting to leave

Conflicting news has come out regarding Fonseca’s future in recent days with some sources suggesting a bad result against Verona on Friday could see him sacked, but others believe he is safe for a while yet.

It is clear that Fonseca must begin to show that he has a grip on the situation both in relation to results and squad management.

Xavi was the manager of Al-Sadd in Qatar from July 2019 to November 2021, and then he became Barcelona boss until June 2024. He took charge of 143 games, with 91 wins, 23 draws, 29 losses, 280 goals scored and 158 against, winning LaLiga and the Supercopa.

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