Next Barcelona Manager Odds: Rafael Marquez Favourite To Replace Xavi Hernandez

Xavi Hernandez is leaving Barcelona at the end of the season and the best betting sites are weighing up his potential replacement.

The former midfielder revealed in January his decision to depart in the summer and the hunt for a successor continues.

Xavi announced his decision after a 5-3 home defeat by Villarreal, saying that "a change of dynamic is needed".

He added: “As a Barca fan, thinking of the club's best interests, and of the players, I think it's the right decision. No one is bigger than the club and I am a supporter above all. I love this club.”

Barca's chances of retaining their Liga title are virtually over following a controversial 3-2 defeat at Clasico rivals Real Madrid, who only need three more wins from their last six games to win the league for a 36th time.

Who will be in the Camp Nou dugout at the beginning of next season? Let’s take a look at the latest odds with football betting sites.

Marquez Takes Over As New Favourite 

Rafael Marquez has jumped to the top of the queue in recent weeks and has been cut to 3/1 from 10/1 with Bet365 to succeed Xavi. 

Currently in charge of promotion-chasing Barcelona B, the former Mexico defender could follow in the footsteps of Pep Guardiola and Tito Vilanova by being promoted from within.

An ex-teammate of Xavi, Marquez made no secret of how hard it would be to turn the job down if it were offered to him.

With 163 appearances across a seven-year period at Barca, Marquez fully understands what it would mean to be named as Xavi's successor.

Marquez was reportedly only considered as an interim option should Xavi leave his role before the end of the season, but financial problems at the club mean they could struggle to attract an experienced head coach.

Flick Fades For Top Job At Barca

Hansi Flick was as short as 15/8 in April, but the emergence of Marquez as a potential replacement has seen his odds drift to 9/2.

According to reports, Flick has expressed an interest in taking over the Spanish giants and is said to be learning Spanish.

The 59-year-old has been a free agent since September 2023, after being the first manager in Germany's history to be sacked as the national team's coach.

He did not do well with Germany, but he has won trophies at club level and is available without Barcelona needing to pay compensation.

Mikel Arteta was installed as the early favourite to be the next Barcelona boss, but is now 8/1 third favourite with Unibet.

There have been conflicting reports of the issue, with most English outlets stating that Arteta is unlikely to leave for Barcelona, while Spanish media believe he is open to the role.

The Blaugrana might be a bigger club than his current employers, but they are not being run anywhere near as well.

Roberto De Zerbi is the next in line to succeed Xavi at odds of 9/1.

The Italian has done a stellar job with current club Brighton, and is on the radar of a number of elite clubs around Europe.

Amorim Enters The Running

Ruben Amorim may be the odds-on favourite to replace Jurgen Klopp as the next Liverpool manager, but that hasn't stopped the Portuguese being linked with a move to Camp Nou.

Amorim ended Sporting's 19-year wait for a Primeira Liga title during his first season in charge in 2020-21 and they look well placed to win it again in the current campaign.

The former Benfica midfielder, linked with the vacancies at Chelsea and Tottenham last summer, deploys an intense pressing style similar to Klopp which has clearly caught the eye of the Reds hierarchy.

However, he is also one of the names in the running to replace Xavi and UK bookmakers are offering 10/1 on that outcome.

Motta And Tuchel Could Be In Contention

A former Barcelona player, Thiago Motta (20/1) has made a great impression at Bologna, who are fourth in Serie A and in pole position to be playing Champions League football next season.

The Italian has been in charge of Bologna for more than 18 months and has resurrected the side he inherited from the late Sinisa Mihajlovic.

This may be what the Barcelona hierarchy look towards, as they hope to be back in serious contention for major trophies next term.

Thomas Tuchel is also in the frame as a potential candidate to join the Catalan giants as their new head coach.

The Bayern Munich manager has announced he will leave the German side at the end of the season and betting apps have the former Chelsea boss at 20/1 to be the next man in the Barca dugout.

Tuchel has managed in Germany, France and England so far in his career, and he may end up in Spain ahead of the 2024/25 season.

Nagelsmann, Pimienta And Luis Enrique Among Outsiders

Garcia Pimienta spent 15 years working in various positions at his boyhood club, including the reserves, and has been making waves at Las Palmas since joining the club in January 2022.

Pimienta subsequently steered Los Amarillos to the second division play-offs and in his first full season in charge secured automatic promotion to the top flight where they are on course for a mid-table finish.

New betting sites have priced their former player at 20/1 to fill the gap left by Xavi's impending departure. 

Former Bayern Munich coach Julian Nagelsmann remains at 25/1 despite signing a new contract with the Germany national team until 2026.

PSG head coach Luis Enrique is also 25/1 for a return to Barcelona where he won the Treble in 2014-15 during his first season in charge and the domestic Double a year later.