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Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez has said that the signing of Alexis Sanchez would be a fantastic one for the Catalan side. He said he would relish the chance to play alongside the Chilean hotshot next season if Barcelona manage to procure his services.
Xavi faced off against Sanchez in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and the playmaker was quite impressed by what he saw. Barcelona are currently locked in talks with Udinese over the transfer, after the player made it clear that he would move to the Camp Nou and nowhere else.
This put off many other suitors including Manchester United, Manchester City and rich Russian clubs bidding for his services. Talking to Spanish media outlet Sport, he said-
“I know Alexis pretty well because we played against each other at the 2010 World Cup. He is an outstanding player and it would be an extraordinary transfer if we manage to sign him,”
Xavi believes that Sanchez will fit in perfectly with the Barcelona system of high pressing and energetic passing of the ball, in addition to being extremely dangerous in one-on-one situations. He lauded the Udinese striker’s work rate and stated that he would be well suited to the Blaugrana way of football. He said-
“I have closely followed him at Udinese and he plays at such a high level. He’s physically very strong and is incredibly dangerous in one-on-one situations. He’s always working hard for the team and is simply a great player. He would fit in perfectly at Barcelona.”
Xavi also put in a customary comment on the Cesc Fabregas transfer saga, as is his wont. He has been publicly courting the Arsenal midfielder for close to three years now, and his man crush on Cesc doesn’t show any sign of abating. He said that Cesc was in a difficult situation currently due to Arsenal’s strict stance on the transfer fee involved.
He said-
“We all know Cesc and I really hope that the transfer goes ahead.
“He finds himself in a tough situation where he wants to move to Barcelona, but can’t sign here because of his current club. Hopefully the move will take place, though, as he would really add something to the team.”
It remains to be seen whether the duo of Sanchez and Fabregas come to the Camp Nou next season or if the hardball transfer tactics of their parent clubs prevent Barcelona from prying them away. Stay tuned for more on both fronts.
