Barcelona Femeni manager Jonatan Giraldez emerges as shock replacement if Xavi is sacked: Reports

Barça Femeni coach Jonatan Giraldez has emerged as a shock contender for FC Barcelona's managerial position should Xavi Hernandez part ways with the team. Xavi's continuity with the team has grown increasingly unlikely according to recent reports.

Xavi Hernandez, who took the reins at Barcelona in November 2021, has seen his position come under intense scrutiny following a series of lackluster performances and a bleak financial outlook for the club. Just three weeks ago, Xavi reversed an earlier decision to step down in June 2023, opting instead to see out his contract until 2025.

However, fresh reports from RAC1 over the weekend indicated that his tenure might be cut short, with the club’s financial struggles playing a significant role in the decision-making process.

The economic difficulties at the Spanish giants are well-documented. Xavi himself highlighted these issues, contrasting the current situation with the club’s more affluent past.

Amidst this backdrop, El Chiringuito reported that Jonatan Giráldez could be considered for the top job if Xavi is sacked. Giráldez has earned high praise for his achievements with Barça Femeni, where he has been at the helm since July 2021 after serving as an assistant coach.

Under his leadership, the team clinched a domestic treble in the 2021-22 season and followed it up with a continental treble in the 2022-23 season. Most recently, his side secured an emphatic 8-0 victory over Real Sociedad in the Copa de la Reina final.

Interestingly, Giráldez is currently slated to join the NWSL side Washington Spirit at the end of the season. However, reports suggest that Barcelona would be willing to break this agreement to allow Giráldez to step in as the men’s team coach, starting next season.

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FC Barcelona negotiating €100 million loan deal: Reports

Adding another layer to the club’s challenges, Barcelona are negotiating a significant financial deal. According to Catalan newspaper La Vanguardia, the club is in talks for a €100 million ($109 million) loan.

This negotiation is reportedly contingent on securing a contract extension with Nike, the club’s long-term kit sponsor. The American sportswear giant is expected to pay Barca the loan amount annually, with an equal amount as a signing bonus, aside from additional incentives tied to the team’s success in major competitions.

The financial woes plaguing the Blaugrana have roots in excessive spending on transfers and player salaries over the past decade, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which nearly pushed the club to bankruptcy. Securing the new loan would provide some much-needed relief, allowing the club to stabilize its operations.