Barcelona agree deal for Xavi to take charge at the Camp Nou

Barcelona will unveil Xavi as their new manager on Monday. 

The 41-year-old has spent two years in charge of Al-Sadd but Barca officials were able to reach an agreement with the Qatari side to bring the legendary midfielder back to the Camp Nou.

And the fallen LaLiga giants will hope he can transform their fortunes following Ronald Koeman's sacking last month. 

Confirming Xavi's imminent arrival on social media, Barca simply tweeted: "It was meant to be. Welcome home." 

And ahead of his departure from Doha for Spain, Xavi told reporters that taking charge of his former club is the biggest challenge he has faced.

Xavi said: "It's the biggest challenge of my career. I'm really happy, I'm coming home, coming back to Barca. It's a major challenge.

"The first thing to do is to speak with the players, to explain to them the ideas I have and to work a lot.

"To coach friends is an advantage, it's a positive point. I know how they train and I know what they're like. I see it as an advantage."

Barca confirmed the appointment in the early hours of Saturday morning after agreeing a deal with Al Sadd.

They travel to Celto Vigo on Saturday afternoon but Xavi's first game in charge will not be until after the international break when Barca host neighbours Espanyol.

A statement on the club's official website said: "Barcelona have reached an agreement with Xavi for him to become first-team coach for the rest of the current season and two more seasons. 

"Xavi, a youth team product at Barca, has left Al-Sadd of Qatar after talks held over the last few days.

"It is expected that Xavi will arrive in Barcelona this weekend and that on Monday his presentation as new Barcelona first-team coach will take place in an event open to the public at Camp Nou. 

"After the event he will appear in a press conference. We will shortly detail the agenda for the presentation of Xavi as the new coach of the first team."

Xavi takes control at Barca six years after departing as a player.

The 2010 World Cup winner lifted four Champions League trophies and eight league titles during a glittering spell with the Blaugrana.

His appointment comes after a tumultuous period saw Lionel Messi leave during the summer and Koeman fired following an underwhelming 14 months in charge.

Xavi inherits a side sitting ninth in LaLiga — eight points behind rivals Real Madrid and nine adrift of league leaders Real Sociedad.