According to a report by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Sergio Conceicao is the subject of interest from Barcelona. The reigning La Liga champions are in the managerial market after Xavi Hernandez announced his impending departure. And the 49-year-old FC Porto manager has appeared on their radar.
Who is Sergio Conceicao?
Sergio Conceicao was a journeyman during his professional career as a footballer, representing ten clubs, including two stints at FC Porto and Lazio. The Portuguese tactician also turned out for his national team 56 times. He entered the managerial world shortly after hanging up his boots, becoming the assistant manager for Standard Liege in 2010.
The 49-year-old gradually grew in stature, taking charge of SC Olahense, Academica, SC Braga, Vitoria Guimaraes and Nantes before arriving at FC Porto in June 2017. Since then, his stock has skyrocketed, with FC Porto winning ten trophies under his tutelage in the last six and a half years.
The former Portuguese international has become one of the most highly-rated managers in the world during his stint with FC Porto. So, it is hardly surprising that Sergio Conceicao has emerged as a target for Barcelona, with the Catalan club scouring the market for a replacement for Xavi Hernandez.
Barcelona Searching for Xavi’s Replacement
Xavi announced his upcoming departure from Barcelona, with his stint ending when the 2023/24 season concludes. The 44-year-old has been with the Blaugrana for only two years but has resigned due to the mounting pressure on him after recent sub-par results. With Joan Laporta accepting Xavi’s resignation, Barcelona will look for a replacement.
Recent reports have linked the reigning La Liga champions with several highly-rated young managers, including Roberto De Zerbi. But Sergio Conceicao is also a viable target, considering his rise at FC Porto. Deco knows Porto well and rates the 49-year-old Portuguese manager.
In addition, Conceicao is in the final six months of his contract with FC Porto. So, Barcelona will not have to pay a release clause to land the 49-year-old if he calls time on his stint with the Portuguese club. It will be interesting to see if he replaces Xavi at FC Barcelona.
