Ten Hag emerges as Laporta's favourite to succeed Koeman

Ronald Koeman is not expected be in charge of Barcelona after the upcoming international break and Erik ten Hag has reportedly emerged as a potential suitor to take over at the Blaugrana.

Andrea Pirlo, Xavi Hernandez, Roberto Martinez and Marcelo Gallardo are the other main candidates to succeed the Dutch coach, who has been criticised for Barcelona's slow start to the 2021/22 campaign.

According to Catalunya Radio's 'El Suplement' show, the current Ajax coach is Joan Laporta's favourite to replace Koeman. However, Ten Hag is under contract with the Dutch side and Barcelona's financial issues would prevent them from triggering his buyout clause to facilitate his departure from Ajax.

Barcelona are ready to sack Koeman soon, but their new coaching staff can't earn more than 3.88 million euros per season. To put it in perspective, Quique Setien received four million euros per season.