Hansi Flick 'changes agents amid Barcelona, Liverpool links'

The 58-year-old has been out of work since being dismissed by Die Mannschaft in September 2023 after just over two years in charge of the national team, overseeing a disastrous group-stage exit at the 2022 World Cup as well as a run of just four wins in his last 16 games.

Flick had previously managed Bayern Munich between November 2019 and June 2021, winning seven trophies including two Bundesliga titles and one Champion League.

The 2019-20 UEFA Men's Coach of the Year, who has also held roles at Hoffenheim and Red Bull Salzburg, is now believed to be keen to return to club management.

Reports earlier this month claimed that Barcelona are exploring the possibility of appointing Flick, who is interested in succeeding current boss Xavi, who will be stepping down in the summer, and has recently been learning Spanish.

A possible switch to the Premier League with Liverpool has also been mooted for Flick, with the Liverpool Echo suggesting that he could be a candidate to replace German compatriot Jurgen Klopp when he leaves Anfield at the end of the campaign.

In a bid to boost his chances of securing a top European job, Flick has decided to hire new representatives in the form of super-agent Zahavi and his Gol International agency.

Zahavi is widely regarded as one of the top agents in world football and not only does he represent a plethora of clients who ply their trade at the highest level, he is also said to have a close relationship with a number of the biggest clubs worldwide.

The 80-year-old Israeli is the agent of Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski and was a key figure along with club president Joan Laporta in arranging the Pole's transfer to Camp Nou from Bayern Munich for a reported €45m (£38.5m) in the summer of 2022.

Zahavi also helped Thiago Silva facilitate his move to Chelsea on a free transfer in August 2020 following the defender's exit from Paris Saint-Germain.

Flick is not believed to be a frontrunner for either the Barcelona or Liverpool jobs at present, as names including Bayer Leverkusen's Xabi Alonso are thought to be higher on the list of targets for both clubs.

Rafael Marquez, Ralf Rangnick and Roberto De Zerbi are among other names that have been linked with Barca, while the latter has also been tipped to potentially take charge at Liverpool along with Ange Postecoglou and Thomas Frank.