Unexpectedly, Xavi requests a contract with another elderly player

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Continuing the trend of Barcelona’s interest in free agents, it has been reported by Gaston Edul that the club is interested in signing Paris Saint-Germain winger Angel di Maria.

The Argentine becomes a free agent in the summer, and wants to continue his career in the top leagues despite turning 34 this year. Apart from Barcelona, Juventus, Atletico Madrid, and Benfica have also expressed their interest in di Maria.

PSG are yet to open renewal talks with the winger, and with every passing month, his departure becomes inevitable.

Barcelona’s interest is especially interesting, for di Maria is a former Real Madrid player. Not only that, but he was considered a hero for the club en route their run to the 2013/14 Champions League.

He was awarded the man of the match in the final against Atletico, creating two chances and completing six dribbles. However, he left after that season, joining Manchester United, and PSG soon after that.

Di Maria was an indispensable part of the French capital outfit before this season, registering over 200 direct goal contributions in a little less than 300 appearances.

Things have changed for him this season, though. After Lionel Messi’s arrival, di Maria has been reduced to just 21 appearances in the league with three goals and five assists, while creating 12 big chances.

That said, Barcelona’s interest in him is not surprising. Xavi has requested the club to sign a right-winger, among three other positions in right-back, left-back, and a striker.

The Argentine fills in the winger quota, but can also play as a left-winger, central midfielder, and attacking midfielder. It certainly seems that the summer transfer window will have a few more headlines than fans would have expected.