Photo by Matt West/ISIphotos.com
By FRANCO PANIZO
Talk about a U-turn.
Xavi has opted to remain at Barcelona and will not be joining New York City FC for its inaugural MLS season, according to the latest reports out of Spain. Xavi is expected to stick with the Spanish giants for the 2014-15 season in what is a surprising move given that Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu recently said that Xavi would be on the move this summer.
The report states that the 34-year-old midfielder could stay with Barcelona until January and then join compatriot David Villa at NYC FC as a Designated Player, but it seems more likely that Xavi continues at Barcelona until at least next summer.
Neither club has officially commented on the matter, but a formal announcement is expected later this week.
If the Spanish midfielder opts to extend his time at Barcelona, the decision would mark the latest turn in the will-he, won’t-he saga that has had NYC FC fans buzzing for several weeks now.
What do you make of this development if true? Surprised Xavi might stay at Barcelona? Who should NYC FC look to next to potentially fill a Designated Player slot?
Share your thoughts below.