Ronald Koeman: I could quit Netherlands for Barcelona after next summer

Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman has indicated he could leave to join Barcelona next summer if the job was offered to him.
The former defender has admitted in the past that he’d like to manage the Blaugrana and revealed it is ‘possible’ he could do so after Euro 2020.
Will Koeman manage Barca? Five things to know…
- Koeman has admitted he’d like to manage at the Nou Camp at some point.
- He is currently contracted to the Netherlands national team.
- Koeman has strong ties with Barca having made over 260 appearances for them between 1989 and 1995.
- There is a clause in his contract that allows him to leave for the Nou Camp next summer.
- Koeman has revealed it is a ‘possibility’ that he will join them after Euro 2020.
Koeman was a key player for Barcelona during a six-year stint with the Spanish giants between 1989 and 1995. He has always said he’d like to become their manager at some point but admitted that could happen as soon as next summer.
“[Joining Barcelona] is a possibility, but only after Euro 2020,” Koeman told reporters.
“I don’t know if I’ll keep [talking about the Barcelona job] in the future because it’s a bit strange to speak about the possibility of going to the club while you’re the Netherlands coach.”
Current Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde has been under pressure this season following a poor start that saw them pick up just seven points from their opening five matches.
Despite a recent upturn in form, there is speculation that the Spanish giants may not renew his contract next summer, which would leave the door open for Koeman to return to the Nou Camp.
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Barcelona would have to pay to land Koeman
Koeman signed a four-and-a-half-year deal when he became Netherlands manager in 2018 and it would cost a lot to release him from his contract. However, director of football at the Dutch Football Association, Nico-Jan Hoogma confirmed last month that a clause did exist which would allow him to leave after Euro 2020, if Barca paid compensation.
“Agreements have been made about that. They have to pay for that,” he told Fox Sports.
He added that it was his hope to continue working with Koeman for the entire length of his deal, especially as things have been looking good for the Netherlands since the 56-year-old took charge.
“I hope that we can work together for a very long time because I think it is going very well,”he continued.
“But Ronald has long indicated that he wants to be a Barcelona trainer someday. Let’s see what will happen. Success at Oranje will certainly help him, just like everyone else helps us. But again: I hope the trajectory continues up to and including the World Cup in Qatar.”