87
Xavi Emerges as Potential Manchester United Manager Should Amorim Deal Fall Through
LONDON – Barcelona manager Xavi Hernández has reportedly expressed interest in taking the helm at Manchester United, should the club’s pursuit of Sporting CP’s Rúben Amorim fail to materialize, according to sources. The development adds a new dimension to Manchester United’s managerial search as they seek a permanent replacement for Erik ten Hag.
The potential shift comes amid uncertainty surrounding Amorim’s availability and reported demands. Manchester United have been heavily linked with the 39-year-old Portuguese coach, but negotiations have reportedly stalled. Xavi, 44, previously managed Barcelona from November 2021 to May 2023 and has recently announced he will leave his post at the end of the current season.
OTHER RUMORS
- Manchester City are considering a move for Bayern Munich’s 22-year-old midfielder Aleksander Pavlovic. City boss Pep Guardiola views the German as a long-term successor for Rodri. (Caught Offside)
- Arsenal are scouting Real Betis midfielder Pablo Garcia, Hoffenheim defender bazoumana Toure, and Eintracht Frankfurt winger Bahoya. (GMS)
- Inter Milan are hoping to turn defender Manuel Akanji‘s loan move from Manchester City into a permanent deal in the summer of 2026. Inter are pleased with the 30-year-old and have allocated €15m for the transfer.(Fabrizio Romano)
- AC Milan have begun contract extension talks with Fikayo Tomori‘s representatives. The 27-year-old’s current contract runs until 2027, but the club is impressed with the center back’s form. (Fabrizio Romano)
- Liverpool and Everton are among the clubs tracking Genk’s 17-year-old attacking midfielder Konstantinos Karetsas. Newcastle United, Sunderland and Bournemouth are also considering a potential £20m move in January. (Ekrem Konur)
- Flamengo forward Wallace Yan is a target for Crystal Palace, Wolves, Napoli and Monaco. The 20-year-old has a release clause of €60m, though a lower fee may be negotiable. (Ekrem Konur)
- Roma goalkeeper Mile svilar has been a standout performer in Serie A, prompting the club to offer him a new contract until 2030 worth €40m per season to ward off Premier League interest. (Calciomercato)
