The name of Spanish coach Xavi Hernandez, who previously managed Barcelona, has resurfaced in discussions regarding the Saudi Pro League, this time linked to Al-Shabab club.
Since his departure from Barcelona in the summer of 2024, Xavi’s name has been associated with various clubs in the Saudi league, most recently with Al-Hilal, following the dismissal of Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus in May, before the club hired Italian Simone Inzaghi.
According to the Saudi newspaper “Al-Yawm”, Xavi is considered one of the leading candidates to take over the coaching position at Al-Shabab, succeeding his compatriot Imanol Alguacil, who is on the verge of leaving the team.
Since parting ways with Barcelona in 2024, the Spanish coach has not taken charge of any other team, although he has prior experience in the Arab region, having coached Al-Sadd in Qatar from 2019 to 2021.
However, the report emphasizes that Xavi is not the only candidate for the position at Al-Shabab. He faces competition from Argentine coach Ramon Diaz, who has previously managed Al-Hilal twice, during the seasons of 2016-2018 and 2022-2023.
Additionally, Romanian coach Edward Iordanescu is also seen as a strong contender for the role, especially given his successful tenure leading the Romanian national team from 2022 to 2024.
It is noteworthy that numerous reports have indicated Al-Shabab’s desire to dismiss Alguacil due to a significant decline in the team’s performance since the beginning of the current season, as they struggle to avoid the bottom of the Roshan League standings.
