Barcelona told to sign Real Madrid target by Ernesto Valverde’s likely successor
Every result apart from a win has seen Ernesto Valverde become the subject of the sacking rumours and Barcelona are genuinely in need of a change.
Barcelona were handed a defeat in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final by Atletico Madrid on Thursday evening. Diego Simeone’s men went a goal up, courtesy of Koke, but Barca responded quickly with Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann, before Alvaro Morata and Angel Correa struck within the last 10 minutes to cap off an entertaining outing.
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A loss for the Catalans resulted in inevitable calls for the firing of Ernesto Valverde, but one of the major reasons behind the former Athletic Bilbao manager still keeping his job is probably the public support offered to him by Lionel Messi among several others. The captain was once again prompt in defending the boss alongside Luis Suarez.
Despite all the contrasting opinions that have been heard over Valverde’s future, it looks imminent that he would no longer be the first team’s manager following the summer. Diario GOL has claimed that the club’s legend Ronald Koeman is the primary candidate to replace Valverde and has already touched base with the Camp Nou directors over his first signing.
Ronald Koeman is currently coaching the Dutch national team and has a clause in his contract that would allow him to leave his job for Barca following the Euro 2020. Koeman himself seems to be interested in the position that will potentially be up for grabs within a few months and has asked the club to sign his compatriot, Donny van de Beek.
Van de Beek is on the books of Eredivisie side Ajax Amsterdam and has been watched by Real Madrid as well as a potential successor for Luka Modric. The Dutchman is a potent source of goals and assists, forming an integral part of the Netherlands’ midfield setup heading into this summer’s European Championship.
Los Merengues have reportedly been told that van de Beek would cost at least 65 million euros, but Barca’s good relationship with last year’s Champions League semi-finalists may see them get Koeman’s preferred man for just 50 million euros. However, it is debatable whether the Blaugrana are actually in need of an attacking midfielder at the moment.
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Do you think Barca are in need of a player of van de Beek’s profile?