Share this @internewscast.com

Former Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick has emerged as a surprise contender to succeed Xavi Hernandez at Barcelona next season.

The 65-year-old is revered in his native Germany but endured a disappointing stint at Old Trafford after agreeing to step in following the dismissal of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in November 2021.

The former RB Leipzig coach has been in charge of the Austria national team since leaving United and guided them to qualification for this summer’s European Championship.

Despite his underwhelming stint in the Premier League, Rangnick’s reputation as a developer of top young talent has endured.

Ralf Rangnick has been linked with Barcelona job despite a disappointing stint at Man United

Ralf Rangnick has been linked with Barcelona job despite a disappointing stint at Man United

Xavi Hernandez announced last month that he will leave Barcelona in the summer

Xavi Hernandez announced last month that he will leave Barcelona in the summer 

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta moved quickly to shut down speculation linking him to the job

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta moved quickly to shut down speculation linking him to the job

While Laporta is a fan of Rangnick, Barcelona have drawn up a star-studded shortlist of candidates to succeed coach Xavi Hernandez with Mikel Arteta, Xabi Alonso and Roberto De Zerbi reportedly among the contenders.

Xavi announced on January 27 that he will depart the club at the end of the season, having taken over in November 2021.

Attention has quickly turned to his replacement with Mundo Deportivo mentioning a number of names in the frame.

Arsenal boss Arteta, 41, came through at Barcelona’s academy and his attacking style would be attractive to the Nou Camp club.

However, as Mundo say, Arteta is contracted to Arsenal until 2025, is enjoying plenty of success there and last month described links to Barca as ‘totally fake news’.

Responding to reports, Arteta said: ‘I don’t know where it is coming from and it is totally untrue. I am really upset about it. I could not believe it. It has no source.

‘It has got nothing and I think we have to be very cautious when you talk about personal things.’

Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique, 53, is touted for a potential return, having coached the club between 2014 and 2017.

This successful spell included Barcelona’s 2015 Champions League success – part of a Treble – and he too favours the classic Barca style of playing.

But Mundo qualify this by pointing out he, too, has a contract at his current club until next year and whether Barcelona’s tight financial situation could prove off-putting.

The Brighton boss De Zerbi has impressed in the Premier League, they say, but has no experience of leading a big club with elite-level players.

PSG coach Luis Enrique has been mentioned for a return to Barcelona

Bayer Leverkusen's Xabi Alonso is frontrunner for the Liverpool job

PSG coach Luis Enrique (left) has been mentioned for a return to Barcelona, while Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso (right) is frontrunner for the Liverpool job

Outgoing Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is described as a 'special case' by Mundo Deportivo

Outgoing Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is described as a ‘special case’ by Mundo Deportivo 

They say De Zerbi’s passing style would go down well, as would the endorsements ex-Barca favourite Pep Guardiola has given him in the past.

Another interesting name mentioned is Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso, who is the favourite to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.

The Spaniard has excelled in Germany, with Leverkusen surprise Bundesliga title contenders as they tussle with Bayern Munich at the top.

Mundo are impressed by his ‘intense, dynamic and vertical game’ there but admit his links with Real Madrid, where he spent five years, and Liverpool’s interest would scupper Barca.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Transfer Update: Bhoys Profit from Kuhn’s Departure as Winger Prepares for Como Transfer

CELTIC winger Nicolas Kuhn is on the brink of confirming his Parkhead…

Yoane Wissa aims to exit Brentford in a historic move to another Premier League team

Yoane Wissa is pushing to leave Brentford this summer, talkSPORT understands. The…

Shannon Sharpe’s Sexual Assault Accuser Left Without Legal Representation at Initial $50M Lawsuit Hearing

The initial hearing for Shannon Sharpe’s sexual assault lawsuit in Nevada faced…

England U-21s triumphantly celebrate their European Championship victory

England’s Under-21 team celebrated in grand fashion after successfully defending their European…

Barcelona Reveals Impressive New Home Kit for Camp Nou Comeback

Barcelona are preparing to make their much-anticipated return to the legendary –…

AC Milan Unveils Striking 2025/26 Away Kit Featuring Classic Devil Logo

AC Milan has officially revealed their away kit for the 2025/26 season,…

Joao Pedro Geared Up for Clash: Chelsea Faces Fluminense in Club World Cup Semi-Final with Iconic Boxing Announcer in Attendance

It is believed FIFA have hired Michael Buffer — the legendary ring…

Mark Clattenburg Demands Tougher Penalties for Divers in New Mail Podcast, Criticizes Premier League Stars for ‘Cheating’

Former referee Mark Clattenburg has called for more players to be sent…

Inside Oleksandr Usyk’s Training Strategy: The Secret Tools and Techniques He Uses to Stay Ahead of the Game for the Daniel Dubois Rematch

It’s easy to wonder how he is still managing it. How, at…

Meet Diego Leon: At 18, This Youngest of Nine from Rural Paraguay’s Humble Beginnings Joins Manchester United as a £7M Rising Star

Manchester United’s search to bolster their options at left back has taken…