Crystal Palace are considering a move to bring in former Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez as Oliver Glasner’s replacement, according to reports from Spain.
The Selhurst Park outfit are planning for the Austrian coach’s expected exit at the end of the campaign and have already begun assessing possible successors.
Palace have reportedly singled out Xavi as one of the standout candidates currently available and admire both his tactical philosophy and his track record of developing young players.
Xavi has been unattached since departing Barcelona at the conclusion of the 2023/24 season and is said to have already rejected several proposals, including an approach from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad in September.
Palace Targeting Move for Xavi:
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Xavi has been patiently waiting for the right opportunity since leaving Barcelona — a project that offers stability and the freedom to implement his footballing vision.
A switch to the Premier League is thought to appeal to the Catalan coach, who previously spent two years managing Qatari club Al-Sadd before returning to Barcelona in June 2021.
The 45-year-old spent three seasons in the Nou Camp technical area, lifting both La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup during the 2022/23 campaign.
Xavi was relieved of his duties in May 2024, despite still having a year remaining on his contract and only weeks after club president Joan Laporta convinced him to remain, having initially planned to step down at the end of the season.
Xavi, once hailed as ‘the best manager in the world’, enjoyed a 17-year playing career at Barcelona, winning four Champions League trophies and eight La Liga titles.
Glasner Poised for Selhurst Park Departure:
Palace are bracing themselves for life after Glasner, with the Austrian having opted not to commit to a new deal at Selhurst Park.
According to GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Fabrizio Romano, Glasner is expected to leave Palace at the end of the season when his current contract expires.
The Austrian took charge at Palace in February 2024 following Roy Hodgson’s departure and has since guided the club to two trophies this year — the FA Cup and the Community Shield.
Palace currently sit ninth in the Premier League after 17 matches, six points behind fourth-placed Liverpool.
Palace Targeting New Attacker in January:
Palace are aiming to strengthen their forward line in January and are among the sides interested in Tottenham Hotspur attacker Brennan Johnson.
The Eagles have also identified Manchester City youngster Oscar Bobb as a more affordable option, with Pep Guardiola’s side potentially open to allowing the winger to leave should they complete the signing of Antoine Semenyo.