Former Barcelona Boss Xavi Hernandez Emerges as a Candidate to Lead a Saudi Pro League Club
10 January 2026
Xavi Hernandez Linked with Al Shabab Move
Will the former Barcelona manager take the helm at a Saudi club?
Spanish coach Xavi Hernandez, the ex-Barcelona manager, has resurfaced in Saudi football, this time connected with Al Shabab. Since leaving Barcelona in the summer of 2024, Xavi has been associated with several Saudi clubs, most recently with Al Hilal after the Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus was dismissed in May, before Italian coach Simone Inzaghi was brought in.
Saudi newspaper Al-Youm reports that Xavi is among the top candidates to coach Al Shabab in the near term, succeeding his compatriot Emmanuel Algwasiel who appears set to depart.
The Spaniard has not coached since leaving Barcelona in 2024, but he has worked in the region before, notably with Qatar's Al-Sadd from 2019 to 2021.
But the paper stresses Xavi is not the only candidate; Argentine Ramon Diaz is also in contention, having previously coached Al Hilal during two stints, 2016-2018 and the 2022-23 season.
The Romanian Edward Iordănescu is another leading contender according to the report, with a track record including the Romania national team from 2022 to 2024.
Several outlets have suggested Al Shabab seeks to change its coach amid disappointing results and a bid to climb away from the bottom of the Saudi Pro League.
Other Contenders in the Race
Beyond Xavi, the field includes Emmanuel Algwasil, Ramon Diaz, and Edward Iordănescu, each bringing different stylistic credentials.
Al Shabab has faced pressure to improve its standings this season, with management aiming for stability as the league table tightens.
As the situation evolves, fans await confirmation of the next steps and the shape of the team's tactical approach under new leadership.
Humor note: tiki-taka in the desert, with a dash of camel patience; the ball might need GPS to stay in the right orbit.
Punchline 2: If Xavi signs, the press conference will resemble a fashion show—formations, scarf choices, and all notes perfectly aligned like a geometry problem solved by a compass-wielding barista.
