Speculation Is Over, Laporta Makes Sure Koeman Stays At Barca Next Season

JAKARTA - Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed Ronald Koeman will continue to coach his team for next season, ending speculation over the fate of the Dutch tactician.

"After the recent evaluation period, Vice President Rafael Yuste and I have agreed that we will continue with Ronald Koeman's current contract," Laporta told Barca's official website on Friday morning western Indonesia time.

Laporta highlighted the commendable attitude that he said Koeman showed during the evaluation period carried out by Barcelona's management.

"We also see that he is very motivated and with the experience of the last year in the dressing room, which we will make more competitive, I think Koeman is staying because he is the coach we want."

The man who will turn 59 later this month also said Barca was ready to welcome several new players in the next few days.

So far, Barcelona has secured Sergio Aguero and Eric Garcia for free and activated Emerson Royal's buy-back clause from Real Betis.

Rumors from various European media say one of the players who is on the verge of joining Barca is Dutch midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum whose contract expires at Liverpool at the end of this month.

Another free player who may join is Olympique Lyon captain Memphis Depay, who will add to the Dutch flavor at Barca after the arrival of Koeman and midfielder Frenkie de Jong.

Koeman's first season ended with the achievement of one trophy, the Copa del Rey, although Barca only finished third in the Spanish League and was eliminated in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Of the 54 matches that Koeman accompanied, Barcelona recorded 34 wins and 11 defeats with 122 goals and 58 conceded.