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Xavi Hernandez has officially renewed his deal with Al Sadd till 2023. The two-year extension will keep the Barcelona legend at the Qatari club where he’s been since 2019.
It was rumored that the contract renewal process with Al Sadd featured a clause that would allow Xavi to leave for Barcelona without any penalty. Those rumors helped to propel Joan Laporta’s supposed interest in Xavi in the run-up to his presidential victory.
Xavi himself came out to refute those claims this week.
“This is incorrect. I have a two-season contract with Al-Sadd, and I respect this contract, and I also respect the official negotiation methods between all parties,” he said.
“Our challenge is to continue to improve and develop, and I am very excited to help Al-Sadd players do that.”
Xavi | Source
His comments are unlikely to stop speculation about a Barcelona return, but his decision to renew certainly suggests he’s not planning on heading back this summer.