Barcelona director Deco is reportedly considering FC Porto manager Sergio Conceicao to be the successor to Xavi at Camp Nou.
According to Catalunya Radio (via Managing Barca), Deco has given his approval for Conceicao to take over from Xavi, who announced his departure from the Catalan giants at the end of the season.
Conceicao has enjoyed significant success at Porto, clinching three Primeira Liga titles and three Portuguese Cups during his tenure. With 259 victories in 357 matches at the Estadio do Dragao, he has solidified his reputation as a top-class manager.
Currently, his team sits third in Liga Portugal and is in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League, set to face Arsenal.
As Conceicao’s contract with Porto expires at the end of the season, Barcelona sees an opportune moment to pursue him.
Xavi’s decision to leave Barcelona comes after a disappointing season, with the team currently sitting third in La Liga, trailing leaders Real Madrid by 10 points.
While Barcelona has been linked with various European coaches as potential replacements for Xavi, including Mikel Arteta of Arsenal, Imanol Alguacil of Real Sociedad, and Michel Sanchez of Girona, Conceicao emerges as the frontrunner.
Deco, in particular, appears to be a fan of the Portuguese coach, who has demonstrated his managerial prowess since taking charge of Porto in 2017.
