Former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has delivered a series of fascinating revelations about his time at the club, offering fresh insight into failed transfer plans, his relationship with Lionel Messi, and the future of the current squad.
Speaking on Romario’s YouTube channel, Xavi reflected on what might have been during his tenure, and some of his comments will raise eyebrows among Barcelona fans.
It is worth noting that Xavi’s time at Barcelona was shaped heavily by financial constraints.
Despite his ambitions to rebuild the squad with proven winners, the club’s economic reality often limited what could actually be achieved.
He began by revealing just how ambitious his plans were, particularly when it came to bringing back former stars.
“As Barcelona manager, I brought back Dani Alves and tried to bring Neymar, Pedro and Messi back as well.
He then explained why those moves never materialised, pointing directly to the club’s financial struggles.
“Pedro and Neymar couldn’t be signed because of the economic situation.“
Xavi wanted to sign Messi and Neymar. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images)
The most surprising revelation, however, concerned Messi.
Xavi disclosed that a return for the Argentine was not only explored but actively worked on for months before being stopped at the highest level.
“As for Messi, the president didn’t want him back. We tried to sign Messi in 2023.
“We talked for 5 months, and everything was ready, but in the end, the president said NO.”
Xavi also revisited the idea of signing Neymar, admitting that while it was a genuine possibility in theory, the financial situation made it unrealistic.
“Perhaps I could have coached Neymar at Barcelona, but our economic situation was so bad that his signing was never an option.”
He went on to highlight Neymar’s extraordinary early years at the club, placing them just behind Messi’s brilliance.
“Neymar’s first years at Barcelona were the closest I ever saw someone get close to Leo Messi.”
Shifting focus to his personal relationship with Messi, Xavi shared an anecdote that perfectly captures the Argentine’s demanding nature on the pitch.
Xavi explained how Messi constantly sought involvement in every phase of play.
“Sometimes Messi would get annoyed with me if I passed the ball to other players.