It's been claimed that former Barcelona President Joan Laporta is linked to Xavi Hernandez’s proposed move to Qatar.
Al Arabi are said to want the Spain international, although Barca want Xavi to remain, but if Laporta is involved then Xavi could be tempted away from Camp Nou, according to Mundo Deportivo, who cite sources in Qatar.
Laporta and agent Pini Zahavi are alleged to be involved in the approach to Xavi and the Qatari Press says a pre-contract has already been agreed.
New Barca Coach Luis Enrique intends to speak in depth with Xavi, but the conversation will have to wait until after La Roja’s involvement in the World Cup.
It’s suggested that Laporta is willing to help Al Arabi sign Xavi in an effort to harm the prestige of current Barca President Josep Maria Bartomeu.
But Laporta has been critical of Barca’s shirt deal with Qatar Airways, which MD say makes his purported role in the transfer a surprise.
