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Ernesto Valverde ‘to sign three-year deal at Barcelona’ with confirmation set for after Copa del Rey final

Luis Enrique's successor will be Athletic Bilbao boss, who won Cup Winners' Cup with Nou Camp giants as a player

Andrew Richardson

Published: 12:21, 23 May 2017
Updated: 7:40, 25 May 2017

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ERNESTO VALVERDE will be confirmed as Barcelona’s new boss on Monday, according to reports in Catalonia.

Luis Enrique has decided to stand down after a trophy-laden three-year spell as manager at the Nou Camp.

Ernest Valverde will be appointed new manager of Barcelona with three-year deal — Ernest Valverde will be appointed new manager of Barcelona with three-year dealCredit: EPA

There has been much speculation regarding his replacement since his announcement — with Valverde one of the favourites.

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And report the current Athletic Bilbao coach has agreed a two-year contract with the option of a further 12 months.

Ernesto Valverde, during a spell as manager of Valencia back in 2013 — Ernesto Valverde, during a spell as manager of Valencia back in 2013Credit: Getty Images

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Ernesto Valverde took Espanyol to the Uefa Cup final against Sevilla in 2007 — Ernesto Valverde took Espanyol to the Uefa Cup final against Sevilla in 2007Credit: Epa

He will put pen-to-paper after the Copa del Rey final against Alaves.

Barcelona legend, Ronald Koeman, was one of the frontrunners to take the job.

However, they would have had to pay far too much in compensation, and his only previous stint in La Liga — as manager of Valencia — saw him sacked after a disastrous spell.

Former Barcelona defender Laurent Blanc was contacted over availability — Former Barcelona defender Laurent Blanc was contacted over availabilityCredit: Reuters

Jorge Sampaoli was another candidate, but he opted to take the job as manager of Argentina.

While the Catalans reportedly contacted former defender, Laurent Blanc, over his availability.

Valerde’s appointment will mean the club continue their recent, rewarding trend of hiring former players as manager.

Barcelona fans pay tribute to Luis Enrique in last match as manager of club — Barcelona fans pay tribute to Luis Enrique in last match as manager of clubCredit: AP:Associated Press

Athletic Bilbao boss Ernesto Valverde won Cup Winners' Cup as Barcelona player — Athletic Bilbao boss Ernesto Valverde won Cup Winners' Cup as Barcelona playerCredit: EPA

The 53-year-old played at Barcelona from 1988 to 1990 — winning a Copa del Rey and a Cup Winners’ Cup.

As a manager, he led Espanyol to the 2007 Uefa Cup final, where they were beaten by Sevilla.

He also won three Greek league titles in a row with Olympiakos, guiding the club over the line his first season, having taken over in late April — and also enjoying domestic cup success twice.

In 2015, his Bilbao side beat reigning Treble-winners, Barcelona, 4-0 in the Spanish Super Cup.

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