this post was published exactly one year ago:
Catalan sports paper Sport claims that Barcelona plans to offer Barcelona midfielder and Spanish international Xavi Hernández (28) a contract renewal in the next two weeks.
Barcelona would offer the Catalan midfielder a financially better contract for the next five seasons. That way the player, whose current contract expires in 2010, would be rewarded for his good performances at the European championships in Austria and Switzerland last month.
Barcelona wants to act fast because his recent games with the Spanish national team have reactivated the interest of several European top clubs, amongst which Chelsea, Manchester United and AC Milan (read more here). Some of them have already contacted the player's entourage to learn more about his current contract situation and his wishes for the future.
Although Xavi would be attracted by the idea of playing one day in the English Premier League, his absolute priority is to continue in Barcelona for many more years to come, if possible until his retirement. The appointment of Josep Guardiola as new Barcelona manager is an extra motivation for the player to stay.
Barcelona sports director Txiki Begiristain has recently contacted the player's agent to inform him officially about the interest of the club to propose the player a contract renewal. A formal offer should follow soon.
pep's opinion:
a very good thing, xavi has been for years one of the most underrated players in european football. with his skills, he would be sensational in the premier league. he might return stronger than ever next season after the recognizition he has received for his euro performance. but if they would have handled this renewal a few months ago, it could have been cheaper for the club...
Read more 5 July 2008 news:Barcelona pushing hard for AdebayorBarça B: Gai feels ready for first teamGetafe interested in CrosasBetter contract for Messi