With Juventus head coach Thiago Motta and Manchester United manager under the cosh for underwhelming seasons so far, former Barcelona boss Xavi is a big name associated with possibly taking over the reins.
Xavi is an attractive option to get these leading clubs back on track. He was sacked last year after two-and-a-half years at Camp Nou, following an illustrious playing career with over 500 appearances for Barcelona.
The 45-year-old also has access to a plethora of promising players, including highly-rated central midfielder Lopez who sports just Fermin on his Barcelona jersey. He has a price tag of €70 million (US$73m), but seems happy plying his trade in La Liga.
While Manchester United are a team in transition under Portuguese boss Ruben Amorim, there would be no European soccer next season for Lopez should he sign for the Red Devils.
In contrast, Juventus are vying for a top four finish that would secure a place in next term’s Champions League. They could also offer Lopez a chance to shine in the FIFA 2025 Club World Cup, which kicks off in mid-June.
Project Motta
Juve’s next three Serie A games could determine whether the three-year Project Motta plan will be halted. The Bianconeri host relegation-threatened Hellas Verona before tackling Atalanta followed by a daunting trip to Fiorentina.
Atalanta are in the mix to win the Scudetto, along with Inter Milan, Napoli and outsiders Juventus. Fiorentina are chasing a top four berth with Bologna, Juve and Lazio.
With Douglas Luiz failing to impress for the Turin titans since last summer’s move from Aston Villa, Juventus could offload the central midfielder as there are a clutch of Premier League clubs showing interest. Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and Newcastle United are tracking the Brazilian’s situation at Juve.
Chelsea and Manchester United would probably be interested in a cash and swap deal for Luiz, valued at half of the cost of Lopez at €35m (US$36.5m). Newcastle have shown a keen interest in an exchange for ex-AC Milan star Sandro Tonali.
Xavi's protege Lopez could be an ideal replacement for Luiz. The 21-year-old came through Barcelona’s youth academy and cemented his place with the first team in 2023 under Xavi.
The only realistic way that Lopez will move from Barcelona is if he is reacquainted with Xavi, and that could be at Juventus should under-pressure Motta fail during the next three matches.