Will Xavi stay at Barcelona? Spanish journalist claims former midfielder has made dramatic u-turn on his future

Barcelona manager Xavi is reportedly closer to staying at the club than leaving this summer. Journalist Gerard Romeo claims that the manager could see out his contract at the club despite announcing his decision to leave this summer.

Romero has stated that there is still a chance that Xavi stays past this summer. He claimed the loss to Real Madrid in El Clasico wasn't a factor in the new development and said (via Fichajes):

"Even after El Clásico today, I see more chances of Xavi staying than leaving."

However, Xavi has been adamant that he will not be staying beyond the summer. Earlier this season, he claimed that the decision was made and nothing would make him revise it. He said:

"My decision to leave the club at the end of the season will NOT change. The decision I made is the right one, it has given a peaceful mind to the club, the players, even the press but also for me and for the environment… but I'm not changing my mind."

Barcelona have reportedly started looking for a replacement, with Hanso Flick being one of the names linked. However, the German is said to be in talks with Bayern Munich (via GOAL).

Why is Xavi leaving Barcelona this summer?

Xavi said that he did not feel appreciated at Barcelona and that was the main reason behind his decision to leave.

He claimed that his work was not noticed by the fans, board or the media and the pressure was too much.

He said while announcing his decision earlier this year in January:

"The decision on my resignation has been made for a long time, our work is not valued enough. That's why I had decided to leave from the beginning of the season. Is it the club, press or fans? I think it's in general. I don't think it's (our work) been valued enough. That generates a wear and tear that you think that, you do what you do, it is not valued. We have endured the pressure and we have arrived at one of the most difficult moments of the club and I prefer not to continue."

Reports suggest Xavi is on Chelsea's radar as they search for a new manager.