Xavi targeting 'dream' first signing if he becomes Barcelona boss

Martin Macdonald

• Updated: 23 May 2023 08:47 CDT

Barcelona legend Xavi has reportedly identified Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman as his "dream" first signing should he return to the club as head coach in the future.

Even though Ronald Koeman was officially confirmed as keeping his role at the club by president Joan Laporta, that hasn't stopped many pundits and fans speculating as to when Xavi could return, as it is generally accepted he will at some point.

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The Spaniard is currently plying his trade with Al Sadd in Qatar but has, according to the man himself, been asked twice already to become Barcelona head coach during the era of former president Josep Maria Bartomeu.

It will not be this summer, but when Xavi does get the job he has already earmarked Coman as his first signing, according to Spanish outlet Sport.

Xavi is allegedly a massive fan of the French winger, whom he believes will bring some flair, pace and direct running to the team that has been missing since Neymar left for Paris Saint-Germain.

If given the job, Xavi will ask the team to play in a 4-3-3 formation which Barcelona and the Spanish national side deployed to huge success when the 41-year-old was still a player.

He is naturally a student of the 'tiki-taka' philosophy, but believes the Blaugrana would benefit greatly from having the speed of Coman down the left wing.

Who has signed for Barcelona this summer?

After finishing third in La Liga and being knocked out of the Champions League at the last 16 stage, Barcelona have been working hard to improve their squad ahead of next season.

They are in a poor state financially, so have mainly been in the market for free agents.

Sergio Aguero and Eric Garcia have already joined on free transfers from Manchester City, while €9 million was spent on right-back Emerson Royal from Betis.

One player expected to join within the next few days is Memphis Depay, who has long been linked with a move to Catalunya over the past 12 months.

He too would arrive on a free.

Unfortunately for Barcelona they were unable to match the wages that PSG offered to Georginio Wijnaldum, who will move to Paris after the European Championships.