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Al Sadd have confirmed that Xavi will leave the club to return to Barcelona as their new manager having left Camp Nou more than six years ago.

The 41-year-old legendary former Barca and Spain midfielder finished his playing days in Qatar before taking his first steps into management with Al Sadd from 2019.

Xavi's exit was confirmed by club CEO Turki Al-Ali in a statement which also detailed that Barca met his release clause which was around $6 million.

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"The Al Sadd administration has agreed on Xavi's move to Barcelona after the payment of the release clause stipulated in the contract," said Al-Ali. "We have agreed on cooperation with Barca in the future. Xavi is an important part of Al Sadd's history, and we wish him success.

"Xavi informed us a few days ago of his desire to go to Barcelona at this particular time because of the critical stage his hometown club is going through and we understand this and decided not to stand in his way. Xavi and his family will remain welcome in Doha and our relationship will continue."

Sergi Barjuan is the current Barca interim boss after Ronald Koeman was dismissed and Xavi will inherit a squad in poor shape with the team ninth in La Liga and second in UEFA Champions League Group E.

Although Xavi might be confirmed by the Catalan giants before Saturday's league clash with Celta Vigo, he is unlikely to be in charge of the team until the derby with Espanyol after the upcoming international break.