Barcelona eyeing a six-month move for Ghanaian International Andre Ayew in January as Xavi knee on reunion with Al Sadd forward
Barcelona confirmed Xavi Hernandez as their new boss early November following the sack of Ronald Koeman at Catalona. The former player has played two games so far; one in the Spanish Laliga after beating Espanyol by lone goal courtesy Memphis Depay’s early second half penalty and the other one in the UEFA Champions League after been forced to goalless draw by tough Benfica at Camp Nou.
From the two games, Xavi is gradually understanding his role at Barcelona having caused a change in Barca’s play with the Laliga giants now seeing more and fluidity in possession than under Koeman.
The Barcelona boss understands however that he needs to add fine touches to work done to bring back the club’s heydays under Pep Guardiola.
With that in mind the former midfielder has sharp eyes on the January transfer window with a couple of players, though not marquee signings, eyed at Camp Nuo. Since completing his move from Qatar to Spain, Xavi has already signed former Barcelona teammate Davi Alves until end of the season in his first reunion as one of the deals that can help him achieve that target.
It appears the Barcelona coach have eyes on another reunion after reportedly showing interest in Ghana captain Andre Ayew who both were at Al Sadd only few weeks ago. Xavi managed Ayew at Al Sadd after convincing Qatari side officials to seal the Ghanaian’s move to Qatar when the 31-year old became a free agent at Swansea City last summer.
The Ghanaian wasted no time and got the ground running at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium once his deal was completed, grabbing seven goals in 9 Qatari Super League games to walk into the ranks as one of Xavi’s favorite aces at Al Sadd.
Given the direction Ayew was heading under Xavi, greater height was one of the evident things that could be predicted but determination of such prosperous friendship occurred after Xavi leaving Al Sadd role for the Barcelona job.
The Catalan head coach still have his eyes on Andre Ayew after asking Barcelona board to sign the Ghanaian forward when the January transfer window opens. It’s understood that Barcelona technical team lead by Xavi Hernandez have met with Barca officials about January transfers as Ayew appears another player to help in bringing back Barca’s heydays.
It’s reckoned that Andre Ayew appears one of the names mentioned by Xavi at the discussions and reportedly justified his choice of the African star to move into the Spanish Laliga.
Xavi cited experiences of compatriots Mubarak Wakaso, Derrick Boateng, Emmanuel Boateng in the Spanish Laliga and Michael Essien with his days at rivals Real Madrid and Ayew’s exposure in the Premier League during his days at West United and Swansea City where the board are reportedly satisfied with Xavi’s request for Ayew.
Though the board has not yet guaranteed the signing of Ghana captain but a deal is in the pipeline this January transfer window after President Joan Laporta who has bigger say in transfers at the club saying nothing against Xavi’s wish for Ayew.
If nothing changes, Barcelona may launch a loan six-months bid to bring Andre Ayew to Camp Nou with Al Sadd willing to let Ayew join their former boss at Barcelona. The move will see Ayew be at Barcelona until end of this season but Barca may offer extension of a full-season deal when the Ghanaian impresses in his first six-month contract.
Ayew signed a 2-year deal with Al Sadd to pocket $ 200, 000-a-week and have spend nearly six-months into that contract. Barca may have to re-negotiate with the Qatar outfit if they decide to extend Ayew’s contract to further full season that’s only when they succeed in signing him in January.
Barcelona have struggled in the current term placing 7th on the Laliga table with 20 points, 10 more below leaders Real Madrid. This stats leaves Barca to ply on one of their worst start to domestic campaign for decades now.
They have won 5, drew 5 and lost 3 in 13 Laliga games as the second place of the log is captured by Real Sociedad who trail Madrid by just a point.
Barca’s Champions League campaign this season hasn’t also be the best and stand against elimination from the European competition at group stage. They travel to Germany to face former champions Bayern Munich at Allianz Arena where many have anticipated a huge defeat for the Laliga side.
Should they end up losing in their last group stage game, they will drop the Europa League but Joan Laporta has generated a theme; “There is going to be a miracle” (against Bayern) which raises Barca’s hopes of qualifying to the knout round of the Champions League.
He has said the appointment of Xavi as manager has inspired more respect from opponents, which could be a factor in what he has predicted to be a “miracle” win at the Allianz Arena.
“Beating Bayern is something that can be achieved,” Laporta said to AS. “There is going to be a miracle, I am convinced that we are going to win.
“Xavi is very motivated and very strong. I hope everything goes well for us, I think that at the moment Xavi’s arrival has generated a little respect from our opponents. They know we can do it again.”
Past memories
Barcelona lost 3-0 to Bayern Munich at Camp Nou earlier in the campaign and their general form this season has been below typical standards as they sit in seventh place in La Liga.
There is also the matter of their infamous 8-2 loss against Bayern in 2020, which they will be reminded of by rival fans in the build-up to the December 8 clash.
However, the Bavarians may be fielding a weakened starting line-up as they have already clinched first place in the group and could be hesitant to risk injury.
Laporta also believes the Xavi boost in spirit will translate to a passionate display on the pitch.
Barcelona will seal a place in the last 16 if they beat Bayern; if they draw or lose at the Allianz Arena they would need Benfica to draw or lose their match against Dynamo Kyiv in order to advance.
