Xavi Could Replace Koeman Again — This Time with the Netherlands

Xavi Hernández could finally return to management — and once again Ronald Koeman may be the man he replaces. According to De Telegraaf journalists Valentijn Driessen and Mike Verweij, the Dutch FA have held talks with the former Barcelona coach about taking charge of the Netherlands. Former Portugal boss Roberto Martínez has also been approached.

There is something wonderfully familiar about the situation. Xavi replaced Koeman at Barcelona in November 2021 and could now repeat the trick with the Dutch national team. At least this time he wouldn’t inherit Barça’s finances, registration problems and the weekly challenge of explaining why another perfectly normal football operation had somehow become complicated.

Xavi has been out of management since leaving Barcelona in 2024, having won La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup during his spell at the club. Taking the Netherlands job would also reunite him with Frenkie de Jong. Koeman may want to check over his shoulder — he has seen this particular sequel before.