Al Sadd say deal agreed for Xavi but Barca wait on announcement

Barcelona are set to announce Xavi Hernandez's dramatic return to the club as coach, after Al Sadd confirmed on Friday a deal has been agreed between the clubs.

The Qatari club said in a statement Barca had paid the release clause for Xavi, who has been coaching in Qatar since 2019 and is now due to rejoin the club where he enjoyed huge success as a player.

Barcelona were yet to make any official announcement regarding Xavi two hours after the statement from Al Sadd, with reports in the Catalan press claiming they believe negotiations are not yet complete.

"Al Sadd have said it is official but Barca have not. Let's wait," said Barca's interim coach Sergi Barjuan, who is expected to be in charge for the La Liga game against Celta Vigo on Saturday.

Al Sadd chief executive Turki Al-Ali had earlier said in a statement: "The Al Sadd administration has agreed on Xavi's move to Barcelona after the payment of the release clause stipulated in the contract. 

"We've agreed on cooperation with Barcelona in the future. Xavi is an important part of Al-Sadd's history and we wish him success."

Barcelona sent vice-president Rafa Yuste and director of football Mateu Alemany to Doha for talks on Wednesday as the club sought to replace the sacked Ronald Koeman.

But Al-Ali had said earlier on Wednesday  Al Sadd were "committed to keeping Xavi" and they appear to be holding their ground in the negotiations, with Barca needing to pay Xavi's release clause, reportedly set at five million euros ($5.8 million).