Xavi Hernandez is free to take over as head coach of Barcelona after the Catalan club paid the release clause in his contract with Al-Sadd.

Axar.az reports citing foreign media that Al-Sadd agreed to release Xavi, who is set to take the reins at his former club following the sacking of Ronald Koeman.

Former Spain international Xavi joined Al-Sadd as a player in 2015 after 17 trophy-laden years with Barcelona, becoming their head coach after hanging up his boots in 2019.

In April, the 41-year-old led his side to the Qatari domestic league title with the team remaining unbeaten.