Hansi Flick & Imanol the latest names on shortlist to replace Xavi at Barcelona

An update on La Liga giants Barcelona’s search for a new manager has been provided late this evening.

The subject of the next man set to take up the reins at Barcelona has of course emerged as a headline talking point in the media over the course of the last 24 hours.

This comes after Xavi Hernández dropped something of a bombshell, in confirming his intention to move on upon the season’s close.

After watching his side put to the sword in alarming fashion at the hands of Villarreal, the Spanish tactician decided that the time was right to announce his incoming exit.

“I want to announce that on June 30 I will no longer continue as the coach at Barça. I think the situation needs to change course, and as a culer, I cannot allow the current situation.”

And so, attentions have quickly shifted towards just who could be in line to replace Xavi in the hotseat in Catalunya’s capital.

To this point, a whole host of tacticians have been tipped for the post, from Jürgen Klopp to Mikel Arteta to Rafael Márquez.

And, as alluded to above, late on Sunday, two more names have been added to the fray.

First up comes Hansi Flick.

As confirmed by German football insider Christian Falk, former Bayern Munich and Germany boss Flick is a ‘candidate’ to take over at Barca.

Blaugrana president Joan Laporta is understood to have expressed a keen interest in Flick’s services prior to hiring Xavi back in 2021.

And the Spanish patron, it would appear, has not yet given up hope of bringing the German to the Camp Nou.

Joining Flick on the shortlist being drawn up by the Barcelona brass, meanwhile, is Imanol Alguacil.

That’s according to Matteo Moretto, who, speaking as part of Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing, revealed that Imanol is held in high regard by Laporta and his staff.

An approach for the Real Sociedad headmaster is therefore being given serious consideration ahead of the summer.

Conor Laird | GSFN