An insight into some of the finer details of the latest meeting between the Barcelona brass, and head coach Xavi, has today been forthcoming online.
Xavi’s name, of course, has repositioned itself front and centre in the Spanish media headlines over the course of the last 24 hours.
This comes after widespread confirmation was forthcoming that the 44-year-old has come to the decision to stay put in Catalunya’s capital for next season.
After previously announcing his intention to step down in the summer back in January, Xavi is now in line to see out the final year of his Barcelona contract.
So, what factors ultimately proved decisive in convincing Xavi to reverse his decision to move on?
The support of the Barca board, and players alike, is understood to have been key, with support having been thrown behind the tactician from all directions over the course of the last few months.
So too, though, it is understood, did promises regarding the upcoming summer transfer window.
As confirmed by a number of sources late on Wednesday night, centre stage in the meeting between Xavi, Deco and Joan Laporta earlier in the day was the subject of transfer business.
Xavi is long understood to have made clear the need for reinforcements to his squad, if Barcelona are to even come close to keeping pace with the project being built by arch rivals Real Madrid.
And one name, above all others, continues to come to the fore – Bernardo Silva.
As per journalist Ramon Salmurri of Catalunya Ràdio, the name of Manchester City star Bernardo was again raised by the Blaugrana’s headmaster, during discussions over his continuity for next season.
And, amid increasing confidence at the Camp Nou when it comes to returning to La Liga’s 1-1 rule, ‘optimism’ was delivered to the club’s headmaster, regarding the chances of the Portuguese linking up with Xavi’s squad for next season.
Conor Laird | GSFN
