Barcelona are reportedly interested in making Simone Inzaghi their next boss in what could become a managerial arms race between elite European clubs.
Inzaghi is having a storming season in the dugout at Inter Milan, who are top of Serie A by nine points.
Barca consider him a potential replacement for Xavi, who is leaving at the end of the season – but they could face stiff competition from the Premier League.
Barcelona’s longing glances towards the 47-year-old have also been reported by Tuttosport, via Mundo Deportivo.
Barcelona have joined a list of Premier League clubs reportedly interested in Simone Inzaghi
Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool are all reportedly keen on the Inter Milan boss
Xavi will leave Barca at the end of the season and the Catalan giants could move for Inzaghi
Inzaghi has been in the hot seat at the San Siro since July 2021 and has acquired a reputation as one of Italy’s most astute bosses.
Last season, he led the Nerazzurri to the Champions League final and he has won the Coppa Italia twice already.
If he can add another Scudetto to the club’s trophy cabinet, he will have proven his stock as an elite trophy-winning manager, and that could be enough to convince his suitors that he is the man for the job.
His contract with Inter runs until 2025 and he is happy to stay, but would not be satisfied with a renewal unless it lasted until at least 2027.
He earns around £4.7million per season plus add-ons, but his employers would be unlikely to match a potential Premier League offer in the region of £6.8m-£7.70m, as per Tuttosport.
Mail Sport reported on Tuesday that Sir Jim Ratcliffe is analysing replacements for Erik ten Hag and is ‘not completely sold’ on the Dutchman.
He could be on borrowed time after a disappointing season, with United sixth in the Premier League and out of the Champions League.
Mauricio Pochettino’s long-term future is also uncertain after his Chelsea side lost to Liverpool 1-0 in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly analysing his options and is ‘not completely sold’ on Erik ten Hag at Manchester United
While Chelsea could still qualify for Europe through the Premier League or FA Cup, their chances of making continental competition are much slimmer following the defeat by Liverpool.
There are now significant doubts over whether Chelsea are prepared to continue the partnership heading into the season climax and Pochettino faces a crucial run of games.
Inzaghi could end up with his pick of top jobs. While Liverpool look more set on Xabi Alonso, news of Barcelona’s interest – alongside United and Chelsea’s – is a sign of how in-demand Inzaghi could be in coming months.
