Xavi signs Barcelona contract extension until 2025 with option of an additional year after leading the Catalan giants to LaLiga title last season

Xavi has signed a new contract at Barcelona until 2025, the club have confirmed. 

His deal with the Catalan giants includes the option of an additional year on top. 

The Blaugrana legend took the managerial reigns in November 2021 and last season led them to the LaLiga title. 

Alongside the league title, he won the 2022/23 Supercopa de Espana against Real Madrid in Saudi Arabia and has won 60 of his 96 games at the helm. 

After 24 years with them as a player and his football brain surpassing most of his generation, he always looked destined to take the Camp Nou hot seat and has fit like a glove ever since his return. 

After an illustrious, trophy-laden career with the club, he took the managerial job in 2021

While he has slowly made the team a greater force on the pitch, off the pitch Barcelona have been contending with a glut of problems. 

Financial issues and salary caps have made it difficult to register players and the club have had to sell off assets to raise money amidst stadium renovations.

For this season, they are playing at the Spanish Olympic Stadium while the Nou Camp is refurbished to great expense.  

In a statement, Barcelona said: ‘Xavi’s arrival brought a fresh approach to first team matters, the Terrassa born coach bringing with him his desire to get the team playing the Barça way, an identity familiar from his playing days. 

‘The challenge for the new coach was to piece together a team with experience and youth, an objective that has gradually [been] achieved. 

‘The path has not always been smooth since the coach has had to adapt the team’s system to the players available and the obstacles that have stood in their way over the last 18 months.

Xavi has led Barcelona through a tumultuous period, with the Camp Nou currently being renovated and financial problems besieging the club (photograph from August)

He has handed debuts to 12 academy graduates as he looks to restore the club to glory 

Fans have reason to be optimistic despite the off-pitch chaos as Xavi led them to the LaLiga title last season

‘Initially, a clear 4-3-3 system was evident but later came innovations with a 4-4-2 that includes Gavi as a ‘false winger’. 

Earlier today, Xavi spoke of the impending announcement, saying: ‘The renewal has been agreed for days.

‘We arrived at a very difficult time, with very difficult sporting, economic and psychological circumstances.

‘We have worked very well from the presidency to the sports direction [department]. It is a process of construction and training, but we are competing and playing good games.

‘This should be the season of confirmation in terms of play and results. I, personally, feel very confident. I feel strong in this regard. The staff is grateful and the players are enjoying themselves. We are on the right track, but we can’t stop having humility.’