Xavi won't coach Barcelona until 2021 at the earliest after renewing with Al-Sadd

Former Barcelona midfielder Xavi will not coach the Catalan club until at least 2021 after renewing his contract with Al-Sadd.

The 40-year-old met Barca officials for talks in January, but turned down an offer to replace Ernesto Valverde as coach at Camp Nou.

Xavi is understood to be uneasy about working with the current board and recently said he would prefer to join after the presidential elections in 2021.

And that desire looks to be behind his decision to stay one more season as coach of Qatari club Al-Sadd, with a one-season renewal announced on Sunday.

“I am happy to continue with Al-Sadd, and the team’s goal will always be to compete for all titles,” the 40-year-old said.

The World Cup winner is understood to have a clause in his contract allowing him to join Barca before his deal in Qatar ends, but this new agreement would allow him to become a free agent and take over for the 2021-22 season, possibly with his friend Victor Font as president.