Barcelona’s new sporting director Deco has confirmed that head coach Xavi Hernandez is close to signing a contract extension at the Catalans.

Former Barcelona and Chelsea midfielder Deco was appointed as the club’s sporting director on a three-year contract last month following the departure of Mateu Alemany. The Portuguese confirmed to the press that he was happy with the job his ex-teammate is carrying out, saying: “Xavi will sign a new deal, he deserves to extend the contract. How many years? You will see soon, but we really trust Xavi for the future”.

Deco happy with Barca’s progress this season

Deco, a Champions League winner in his playing days with Porto, also confirmed that the club was working hard to tie down new deals for promising young Spanish international pair Alejandro Balde and Lamine Yamal.

“The two renewals of Alejandro Balde and Lamine Yamal are already on track, we will have both signing new deals. You will surely have news in the coming days.”

Barça director Deco confirms: “The two renewals of Alejandro Balde and Lamine Yamal are already on track, we will have both signing new deals”. 🔵🔴✨

“You will surely have news in the coming days”. pic.twitter.com/BDIA8exR11

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 13, 2023