Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez is poised to sign a three-year contract with the Qatar club Al Sadd, according to numerous reports in Spain. The 35-year-old is set to receive a salary of £7.4 million a season.
Xavi will also study for his coaching badges at the Aspire Academy while in the country.
An official announcement of the veteran player’s decision will not take place until the end of the season.
The midfielder emerged from Barcelona’s famed youth academy, La Masia, and has made over 700 appearances for La Blaugrana in seventeen seasons.
He is widely considered one of the most prolific passers in football and has played a key role in Barcelona’s domestic and European conquests.
During his time at the club, he has won seven La Liga titles, two Copa del Reys and three Champions League titles.
Xavi has also earned 133 international caps with Spain and was an integral part of the national side which won Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.
The Barcelona and Spain legend had previously been linked with a move to the new Major League Soccer franchise, New York City FC. However, it appears the midfielder has been swayed by a mega-money contract to finish his career in Qatar.
