Ronald Koeman was sacked by Barcelona recently, following their worst start to a season in over 30 years. The 1-0 defeat against Rayo Vallecano was the final straw that caused Joan Laporta to pull the trigger. Koeman is now entitled to a £10 million severance fee.
However, Barcelona are only willing to pay him £6 million owing to their difficult financial condition. The club is practically bankrupt, having reported losses worth over £400 million when Joan Laporta was elected. Due to their financial difficulties, the club is trying to reach an agreement with the Dutchman.
But despite Barcelona’s financial difficulties, Koeman is unwilling to waiver off the remainder of the fee. He wants the £10 million that the two parties agreed on as part of the contract.
Koeman was signed by Josep Maria Bartomeu, and the contract was agreed during the tenure of the former Barcelona president. The current situation is not about the sacking, but is about the contract that needs to be honoured.
Barcelona currently have Sergi Barjuan in charge of the first team. The Barca B coach is only in charge until the board finds a permanent replacement for Koeman. Xavi is the most heavily rumoured candidate to take the job. However, he has a two-year contract with Al-Sadd. In fact, no one from Barcelona has contacted the Qatar club regarding the manager.
Xavi’s contract has an £840,000 release clause that Barcelona will have to pay if they want to sign him as soon as possible.
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