Barcelona head coach Xavi has confirmed that he has agreed a contract renewal at Camp Nou, with an announcement from the Catalan outfit to arrive "soon".
The 43-year-old's existing deal with the club is due to expire at the end of the season, but there have been strong reports in recent days that an extension has already been agreed.
Xavi was asked about the situation during his press conference to preview Saturday's La Liga clash with Celta Vigo, and he revealed that "the renewal is sealed".
"The renewal is sealed. It will be official soon," the head coach told reporters. "We arrived at a difficult time, with difficult circumstances. The sports department and the team did a very good job.
"Two important titles were won last year, but we are still a work in progress. In the first year, we already showed positive things and this season, we must be decisive."
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Xavi's new contract is expected to run until June 2025, meaning that it will only be a 12-month extension.
The club's legendary former midfielder returned as head coach in November 2021, and he boasts a record of 60 wins, 17 draws and 19 defeats from his 96 games at the helm.
The ex-Spain international delivered the La Liga title and Spanish Super Cup last term, while Barcelona have made a strong start to this season, winning five of their six matches in all competitions.
The Catalan side have recoded 5-0 victories in their last two games, thumping Real Betis in the league last weekend before hitting Royal Antwerp for five in their Champions League group-stage opener.
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Barcelona will now welcome Celta, and the hosts have been handed a huge injury boost ahead of the match, with key defender Ronald Araujo back in the squad after recovering from a hamstring issue.
Andreas Christensen will also be involved despite concerns over an Achilles issue, but Pedri remains on the sidelines with a thigh problem.
"Andreas was suffering from very minor discomfort, and we wanted to protect him. He had discomfort in his Achilles tendon, but a few days ago, he played 90 minutes and he is at 100%, this is very important," said Xavi during his press conference.
"Ronald Araujo is a fundamental figure for us, he is very important, he's a leader, a great corrector, his spirit is key for the team and little by little he will come in, with him we have a feeling of maximum security."
Barcelona will take on Celta, Mallorca and Sevilla in their next three league matches before returning to Champions League action away to Porto on October 4.
Matt Law
