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Xavi(C)GettyImages
Patrick Rowe

Explained: Why Barcelona are only handing La Liga winning boss Xavi a one-year extension

LaLiga
Barcelona
Real Madrid

Reason why Barcelona have only handed Xavi a one-year contract extension

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Advanced protection across 11 devices with high-speed VPN
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Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's most popular plan, the Advance plan, gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.

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Over 28 monthsSave 73%
Protect 14 devices with the top ExpressVPN plan
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Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's top-tier Express Pro plan gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.

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Additionally, ExpressVPN's Advanced plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers an unlimited private email relay plus an unlimited number of shared aliases and 20 custom domains, ExpressKeys, which gives users a password management facility for an unlimited number of passwords plus a 2FA authenticator, and ExpressAI, an AI assistant that offers 500 credits a day, six AI models, a web search facility plus 2GB storage.

There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save around 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 67%. Both longer-term plans include a 3GB holiday.com eSIM that is valid for five days in 150+ destinations.

Over 28 monthsSave 67%
Protect 10 devices with high-speed VPN
ExpressVPN

Basic

Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's entry-level Basic plan gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.

The VPN can be applied across 10 different devices simultaneously, and offers Lite Protection that blocks ads and malicious and adult websites. A dedicated IP is available to be purchased as an add-on.

Additionally, ExpressVPN's Basic plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers a 10MB/month private email relay plus 10 shared aliases.

There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save more than 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 80%.

Over 28 monthsSave 80%
Advanced protection across 11 devices with high-speed VPN
ExpressVPN

Advanced

Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's most popular plan, the Advance plan, gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.

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Additionally, ExpressVPN's Advanced plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers a 100MB/month private email relay plus 50 shared aliases and a custom domain, and ExpressKeys, which gives users a password management facility for an unlimited number of passwords plus a 2FA authenticator.

There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save more than 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 73%. Both longer-term plans include a 3GB holiday.com eSIM that is valid for three days in 150+ destinations.

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  • Xavi arrives at Barcelona
  • Barcelona win La Liga
  • Xavi renews deal

WHAT HAPPENED? Barcelona boss Xavi has extended his stay, at the club he forged such an illustrious career at, until 2025. With the former midfielder set to double his £3.48m salary, as well as securing pay increases for his coaching staff, according to The Athletic.

WHY IS IT UNTIL 2025? Barcelona believe that although it is a significant pay-rise, limiting it to a one-year extension will have less of an impact on financial fair play (FFP) and will allow the club to make more signings in the near future.

Xavi himself is also thought to be in favour of shorter contracts, as his former coach Pep Guardiola has opted for the same throughout his managerial career.

WHAT XAVI SAID: "The renewal has been agreed for days. We arrived at a very difficult time, with very difficult sporting, economic and psychological circumstances."

"We have worked very well from the presidency to the sports direction [department]. It is a process of construction and training, but we are competing and playing good games."

Next matches
BAR

BAR

Champions League

03 Nov 2026

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AVL

AEK

AEK

Champions League

04 Nov 2026

RMA

RMA

"This should be the season of confirmation in terms of play and results. I, personally, feel very confident. I feel strong in this regard. The staff is grateful and the players are enjoying themselves. We are on the right track, but we can't stop having humility."

IN A PHOTO:

Xavi Barcelona 2023-24Getty

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Xavi's extended stay at the club is good news for Barcelona, given the job he has done rebuilding the club in the aftermath of Lionel Messi's shock exit in 2021. Securing the La Liga title last season, ten points clear of Los Blancos, was a huge achievement and Xavi can now continue to build on the foundations he has instilled at the club.

WHAT'S NEXT FOR BARCELONA: Following their 4-0 win against Antwerp in the Champions League, Barcelona will now host Celta Vigo on Saturday evening as Xavi's side look to close the gap on league-leaders Real Madrid.

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