Sports

New York City FC could make splash with Spain star Xavi

Ambitious New York City FC had vowed to open MLS play with three designated players, and it sure seems like they’re swinging for the fences.

Having signed striker David Villa, now they’re pursuing his Spain World Cup teammate Xavi – according to Catalan radio.

The 34-year-old central midfielder would be a coup for the expansion team, which in addition to signing Villa has been linked with ex-Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard. The report claims their presence at New York City FC – and former Barcelona teammate Thierry Henry’s presence with the nearby Red Bulls – is influencing Xavi’s decision.

The story was first reported by Catalan radio station Catalunya Radio, then quoted by Mundo Deportivo. Xavi’s agent did not respond to an email, and New York City FC declined comment.

A source within MLS said: “Honestly, I have no idea where this has come from. I haven’t seen it.’’

The MetroStars – and later Red Bulls – seemingly spent every summer being connected with big-named, high-priced European stars that were in contract disputes or on the verge of transfers. It was the nature of being in New York. The combination of the post-World Cup silly season and New York City FC having vowed to use all three Designated Player slots has exacerbated that.

Xavi – who won three Champions League crowns, two Euro titles and a World Cup – helped invent Barcelona’s tiki-taka style of play. He has two more years left on his deal at Barcelona. But new manager Luis Enrique implied Xavi — after showing some signs of age last season — would be allowed to leave the Camp Nou.

The slick-passing midfielder appeared bound for Qatar on a reported pre-contract with Al-Arabi SC worth nearly $11 million per six months, but that deal appears to have died, leaving the door open for New York City FC. It remains to be seen whether Xavi is walking through that door, or if this is another agent-driven story to drum up a better contract for his client.