Football news: Ronald Koeman is set to stay on as Barcelona boss says Joan Laporta after Jordi Cruyff arrival

Updated 03/06/2021 at 21:44 GMT

Speculation had been rife over the Dutchman's future at the Nou Camp after an underwhelming season with Catalan club. Despite previously suggesting the Koeman wasn't his 'first choice', the newly-elected president Joan Laporta has now said he expects to move forward with Koeman remianing in the dugout.

‘The best thing for Barca is Koeman to stay’ - Barca president Laporta

Ronald Koeman is set to stay on as Barcelona manager, says club President Joan Laporta, ending speculation over the Dutchman's immediate future.

Following an underwhelming season for the Catalan club, there had been suggestions the club would dispose of Koeman who saw his side finish third in La Liga and exit the Champions League at the last-16 stage.

However, having already cast doubts over the manager's future himself, Laporta has now revealed Koeman will be staying on at the Nou Camp.

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"After the period of reflection we asked for after last season, we've decided to allow Ronald Koeman to continue under the terms of his current contract," he told a news conference.

"We're very satisfied with how the conversations have gone, it was important that we had this period to get to know each other and we have spoken very frankly with each other."

Laporta, who was elected to office for a second time at the club, has vowed to return Barcelona to past glories.

Aside from deciding who will lead the team from the dugout, the president is also determined to tie star man Lionel Messi down to a new contract with the Argentine's existing deal set to run out this summer.

Earlier this week, Laporta said talks with the player were 'going well' and was positive about keeping hold of the club legend.

The club also announced they had hired former player Jordi Cruyff - son of another club legend Johan - in a "strategic role" in a sporting director capacity.

As part of the rebuild on the pitch, the club have confirmed the signing of outgoing Manchester City stars Sergio Agüero and Eric García, as well as Betis right-back Emerson Royal - all on free transfers.

Out of contract Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum is also expected to join.