JAKARTA - Xavi Hernandez has asked Al-Sadd to let him go in order to take over as Barcelona coach.
Several Barcelona officials are reported to have been in Doha on Wednesday, November 3 to meet representatives of Al-Sadd to discuss Xavi's situation.
Xavi himself has become the main choice of his former club, Barcelona, to replace Ronald Koeman who was sacked late last month.
Meanwhile, Al-Sadd released a statement saying that they would try to keep Xavi.
"We are committed to keeping our coach, Xavi, with us, and we cannot let him leave at such a sensitive time of the season," the statement read.
However, the 41-year-old Spaniard has now expressed his desire to "go back" to the club where he spent 17 years of his playing career.
"I've been talking to Barca for days, it's over," Xavi said after Al-Sadd's 3-3 draw with Al-Duhail in Wednesday's Qatar Stars League clash.
"However, now it depends on the conversation between the clubs, they need to come to an agreement. Barca will come to talk, we are all excited. We'll see if it's finally done.
"I really want to go home. I hope that happens. I have a contract and now the club has to negotiate. They already know my position," Xavi was quoted as saying by Marca, Thursday.
Al-Sadd captain Abdelkarim Hassan had given up on Xavi's departure, saying after the game: "Everyone is sad because of Xavi's departure, but he will coach a big team like Barcelona."
"Xavi presented a new idea for Qatari football and Al-Sadd players and helped us as a great player and coach, his idea allowed us to achieve a lot despite criticism. We will miss him very much," Hassan said.
When the deal is done, Xavi is projected to be introduced next week with his first match as Barcelona coach against Espanyol on Sunday, November 21.
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