Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has said that Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman will take over at Barcelona.
Bartomeu’s comments were broadcast on Twitter by Fabrizio Romano. The under-fire club president has also claimed that Lionel Messi and his family remain happy and willing to stay in Catalonia.
Josep Bartomeu: Ronald Koeman Will Be New Barcelona Manager
Bartomeu Also Discusses Lionel Messi’s Future
Ronald Koeman is soon expected to be formally announced as Barcelona’s new manager.
The former Everton and Southampton boss will succeed Quique Setien – the now ex-Barca boss was sacked after a humiliating exit from the Champions League.
Bartomeu has also indicated Koeman’s arrival will be paramount in retaining Lionel Messi.
The club president said: “Messi wants to end his career at Barça. I regularly speak to him and his father.
“He’s part of our new project. Koeman will be the new manager and he told me that Messi is a key player for our new project.”
Barcelona will need to pay compensation to break Koeman from his contract as Holland’s national team manager. A former defender for the club, Koeman is expected to sign a two-year deal at the Nou Camp.
PSG Unwilling to Sell Neymar, Barça Not in Talks Over Lautaro Martinez
Bartomeu also appeared to pour cold water over rumours linking Neymar with a return to his old club.
“Neymar back to Barcelona? PSG don’t want to sell him on this summer,” confirmed the 57-year-old.
Another forward Barcelona have been linked with in recent weeks is Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez.
The clubs were involved in discussions over a transfer, but talks are not currently ongoing over the Argentine international.
Bartomeu did not, however, rule out any further efforts to sign the player in future: “We’re not in talks for Lautaro Martinez right now.
“We stopped negotiations with Inter at the end of June. We’ll see what will happen.”
The 22-year-old was on target for Inter again in the Europa League against Shakhtar Donetsk, helping Antonio Conte’s side set up a final clash with Sevilla.
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