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#3 Carles Puyol
Barcelona's glory days under Pep Guardiola were marked by a distinct fighting spirit that seems to have disappeared in recent years. Former captain Carles Puyol is arguably the greatest leader in Barcelona's history and the Catalan giants could use his qualities in what has been a tumultuous couple of years.
Puyol has been offered administrative posts at Barcelona in the past and served as the assistant sporting director at the club a few years ago. Under Joan Laporta's tutelage, however, Puyol could be given added responsibility at the club that has so heavily relied on their lion-hearted captain in the past.
Barcelona are in dire need of inspiration both on and off the pitch at the moment and Carles Puyol's involvement in the club's sporting activities could have a massive impact on the club's fortunes. Puyol remains a staunch supporter of the club and his excellent relationship with Joan Laporta could potentially blossom into a professional alliance.
#2 Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola's insistence on staying at Manchester City makes him the most left-field choice on this list by a country mile. That being said, the Catalan manager remains a staunch fan of Barcelona and a return to the club that unearthed his potential can never be ruled out.
Guardiola is arguably the most high-profile manager in the world at the moment and Joan Laporta would have to move heaven and earth to bring Barcelona's favourite child back to the Camp Nou. The Manchester City manager has made it explicitly clear that he will not return to Barcelona but with Laporta at the helm, a sensational return may well be on the cards.
Pep Guardiola was immensely successful with Barcelona and won 14 trophies in his four years at the club. The former Blaugrana midfielder completed an incredible sextuple in 2009 and had a revolutionary impact on the way Spanish football was perceived across Europe. With Laporta intent on fulfilling his promises of a rejuvenation, Pep Guardiola may well be tempted to return to the club that made him a living legend.
#1 Xavi
Xavi's return to Barcelona is arguably only a matter of time. The Al Sadd coach is perfecting his trade in Qatar at the moment and seems intent on picking the right moment to return to the club of his dreams.
Barcelona's presidential elections gave rise to several points of contention and Victor Font may well have made an error by placing all his faith in Xavi's return to the club. Joan Laporta is known for his pragmatism, however, and could work towards the appointment of a former player who was always destined to become a coach at Barcelona.
Xavi's impressive track record as a manager in Qatar does hold him in good stead but with Laporta backing Ronald Koeman at the moment, the former Barcelona midfielder does have a few more years to hone his craft. Joan Laporta has held his long-term plans close to his chest, however, and could potentially take a leaf out of Victor Font's book and appoint Xavi as Ronald Koeman's successor a few years down the line.
