Fujairah have been warned to follow up their initial interest in Xavi immediately or risk missing out on any chance of securing the Spanish icon’s signature, with Barcelona making renewed requests to keep hold of him.
Arabian Gulf League new boys Fujairah contacted intermediaries on Monday to enquire about the 34-year-old midfielder’s availability and wage demands, which stand at approximately €6 million-per-year (Dh29.8m) without tax.
The eastern emirate-based outfit stopped short of making a bid then, and were told to return with a concrete offer in the coming days if they wanted to proceed amid fierce competition from incoming Major League Soccer side New York City.
The situation has since taken a new twist as Xavi is set to address his future at a press conference on Thursday, with reports emerging in his native Catalonia that he is to accept Barca’s request and extend his stay at the club into a 24th year.
“When we first spoke with Fujairah they were told the requirements of Xavi before both parties could decide whether to enter negotiations,” a source close to the player said.
“They were told that we needed to receive a definitive offer in the coming days.
“As of yet [Wednesday], we have received no such proposal. Barcelona have also been in contact again to say they want to hold on to Xavi for the upcoming season.”
Xavi had been expected to announce his intention to leave this week, cutting his ties with the club for whom he is the most-decorated and record appearance maker.
He has two years remaining on his current contract, and was previously believed to be interested in pursuing new opportunities in leagues where he would not have to repeat the physical exertions required to compete at the highest level with Barca.
This stance saw him attract offers from a number of Qatar Stars League teams, as well as NYC – who are the sister club of Manchester City and make their MLS debut in spring 2015.
