SUMMARY
- There are indications that Xavi may not have plans for some of the current cast members for the upcoming season.
- Felix is replaceable for the upcoming season, and the Spanish tactician does not see him as a key member of the squad for the 2024–25 campaign
FC Barcelona and Xavi are enduring an awful lot of troubles this 2023-24 season. Even if they are still navigating a challenging domestic season, it appears that the Spanish team is already looking forward to a bright future. In addition to the recent additions, there are indications that Xavi may not have plans for some of the current cast members for the upcoming season.
An analyst claims that Joao Felix, who has “lost a lot of prominence” in recent days, maybe the first player on the list. Also, Jose Alvarez Haya had a conversation with Chiringuito Barcelona regarding the future of the Catalan team.
🚨 Xavi does NOT want to sign João Felix for the 2024/25 season. 🇵🇹
(Source: @Elchiringuitotv) pic.twitter.com/5G0Da0Hud1
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) January 9, 2024
Interestingly, Alvarez said, “There is a very important player from FC Barcelona, who in recent days has lost a lot of prominence. For the coaching staff, it is not important right now, and they tell me that Xavi does not count on him for next season. The player he does not want is Joao Felix.”
As a result, Felix is replaceable for the upcoming season, and the Spanish tactician does not see him as a key member of the squad for the 2024–25 campaign. Also, Xavi prefers to bolster a different position instead. It remains to be seen how this story unfolds in the upcoming months.
Xavi heaps praise on FC Barcelona’s summer signing Ilkay Gundogan
Ilkay Gundogan was a summer signing for FC Barcelona, and manager Xavi is praising him and saying he’s changed everything for the Spanish league powerhouses. After leaving Manchester City in the summer, Gundogan, 33, became a free agent and signed with the Blaugrana. Also, after arriving at Barca as a proven winner, the German midfielder helped Pep Guardiola’s Cityzens win the continental triple in the 2022–2023 season.
Before his team’s Copa del Rey Round of 32 matchup versus Spanish amateurs Barbastro on January 7th, Xavi made the move to commend Gundogan. He stated (via GOAL): “Ilkay is contributing a lot to us. The other day he made the difference in a difficult moment. He is a player who marks the personality of the team and is always positive. He has fallen from the sky for us.”
Ilkay Gündogan is Barcelona’s 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗢 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 🦸♂️⭐️ pic.twitter.com/reo3wlLMzI
— 433 (@433) January 4, 2024
After 25 appearances across all competitions, the seasoned midfielder has contributed three goals and six assists, making a great start to his time at Camp Nou. In his early Barcelona career, he has demonstrated responsibility and a winning mindset.
If Gundogan is named Barca’s permanent captain when Sergi Roberto leaves once his contract ends at the end of the current campaign, it won’t be shocking. Also, he led City to victory in their treble-winning 2022–2023 soccer season and is thought to be among Europe’s most dependable midfielders.