Ronald Koeman names his first signing and three other departures from Barcelona
Koeman names his first signing for Barcelona along with three departures
Ronald Koeman has come to the rescue for Barcelona in what could be described as the club’s most turbulent season after sacking two managers in quick succession and being handed their worst ever defeat in their history against Bayern Munich in the quarter-final.
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The Dutchman should be applauded for his courage to take over such a complicated project with a very limited transfer budget as well. The former Barca defender was known for his devasting dead ball free kicks and leadership qualities which was then later then put to use in his managerial career.
Koeman is known for his tenure at Southampton where he achieved wonders with the club, however, the Dutchman is also known for his time at Everton which was a sheer disaster and waste of resources. However, there is a certain ray of hope to when it comes to Koeman’s philosophy.
The manager believes in possession-based play which he learned under the great Johan Cruyff while the defender was at Ajax and Barcelona. Koeman is also a manager that prefers trusting the youth and promoting players as well.
Having said that, the new Barca manager is eager on adding some youth to the aged squad. Donny van de Beek has been the preferred signing that the Dutch manager wants at the Camp Nou, however, the price demanded from Ajax might prove to be an issue.
Koeman wants a midfield trio of Donny van de Beek, Frenkie de Jong, and Sergio Busquets while also providing Riqui Puig ample game time.
However, the manager has a few players that he wants out with immediate effect
The former Southampton manager wants to conduct a proper revamp and his first priority is getting rid of the aged players whose contracts are close to the expiry date. Luis Suarez, Arturo Vidal, and Ivan Rakitic are the first three names that the Dutchman is prepared to bid goodbye to.
Luis Suarez has been linked with a move to Ajax Amsterdam, Ivan Rakitic so far has no new offer on his table and Arturo Vidal still remains in the books on Antonio Conte at Inter Milan.
Next. Bartomeu provides an insight on Lionel Messi's future. dark
Only time will tell regarding the future of these three heavyweights of the club.