FC Barcelona already has a successor prepared in case manager Xavi Hernandez departs from the club.

The situation surrounding their manager has become a spectacle. Xavi was initially expected to depart after the 2023-24 season but ultimately stayed on after months of persuasion from the club. Nevertheless, the Spanish manager's recent remarks at a press conference have prompted the club's board to reassess his position.

German coach Hansi Flick has emerged as the favorite to take over the Catalan club in case Xavi leaves. He has coveted the job since Xavi's supposed initial departure announcement last January.

Flick has reportedly rejected an offer from Chelsea, preferring to wait for the Barcelona situation to unfold before making his next move.

Barcelona officials have met with Flick in London and were impressed with the UEFA Champions League winner.

Hansi Flick's impressive resume

The 59-year-old tactician recently guided the Germany national football team from 2021 to 2023, and before that, he managed German powerhouse Bayern Munich from 2019 to 2021.

During his tenure with Bayern, he achieved a sextuple in 2020, winning the Bundesliga and the UEFA Champions League, among other titles.

Prior to his last two high-profile managerial stints, Flick served as an assistant coach to Joachim Low with the German national team from 2006 to 2014, during which time he won the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Flick was also the sporting director of the German Football Association from 2014 to 2017.