Roberto De Zerbi – who has been tipped to replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City – could now join Barcelona when Xavi departs.
According to Football Espana, the Italian could go from Brighton to Catalonia after Xavi’s announcement that he will leave Barcelona at the conclusion of the season.
Davide Chinellato, a renowned Italian journalist, reported that speculation of De Zerbi replacing Guardiola was “gaining ground” around the Etihad Stadium. Sam Lee of The Athletic also mentioned the prospective swap.
The 53-year-old has identified the 44-year-old as his future successor.
However, De Zerbi could now replace Xavi.
The Brescia-born coach has built a strong reputation in England thanks to his remarkable work at Brighton, winning 33 of his 69 games in charge of the Seagulls, while also guiding the club into the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 this season.
Manchester City could miss out on a leading candidate
Not only is Xavi leaving Barcelona, but Jürgen Klopp has also announced he will depart Liverpool at the end of the season.
Now – with Guardiola expected to exit Manchester City in the summer of 2025, according to both the Guardian and ESPN – Barcelona and Liverpool could nab two leading coaches 12 months before that date, who Txiki Begiristain may have been earmarking to take over.
It is hardly ideal timing for Manchester City, and with two of Europe’s biggest clubs now on the lookout for a new manager, the Citizens may be short of quality options in the summer of 2025.
One name who could end up replacing the Spaniard – if he decides against joining Barcelona or Liverpool, that is – is Xabi Alonso, who currently sits top of the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen.
