Barcelona sporting director Eric Abidal believes Ronald Koeman ‘meets the criteria’ for becoming Coach at the Camp Nou.
According to a report in Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo last month, director of the Dutch FA Nico-Jan Hoogma revealed an option in Netherlands boss Koeman's contract to join the Blaugrana next summer.
He stated that whilst Koeman's current deal with La Oranje runs until 2022, he has a clause which would allow him to join the La Liga champions after the European Championships next summer – should they make a move for him.
“There are not many coaches who would be able to hold such a position,” Abidal explained to El Mundo Deportivo.
“It is now common knowledge about Koeman’s release clause but the decision will be up to the club, not him.
“I believe he would meet the criteria for us, but there are no discussions about that because Ernesto is in place.”
Koeman is cited as saying by Marca recently: “It (joining Barcelona is a possibility, but only after the European Championships.
“It is a bit strange to be talking about the possibility of going to another club when you are still the Netherlands boss, but I do not know what will happen in the future.”
Earlier this month, Koeman told Fox Sports Netherlands, as cited by ESPN FC: “I found it unfortunate that it was brought to light. I'm not angry, but we [Koeman along with Hoogma] talked about it.
“A white lie can sometimes be good. I tell them from time to time.
“(However), I can safely say that I will not leave my position as coach [of the Dutch national team] for any club [before the European Championships].
“[The clause] is only relevant to Barcelona and it only comes into play after the European Championships. I am not leaving now, that is 100% certain.
“After the European Championships, there is an evaluation moment and, who knows, maybe the KNVB will say: 'We have performed so badly at the Euros, we are not going to continue together.' But I also have the opportunity to leave for one club. And there's only one club [included in the clause].”
Koeman made 192 appearances as a Barcelona player, between 1989 and 1995, winning four La Liga titles and a European Cup in 1992.
Before returning as assistant to to Louis Van Gaal between 1998 and 2000, winning another league title in the process.
