Koeman has been mentioned as a potential Nou Camp target as Luis Enrique comes under pressure.
Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has a clause in his contract at St. Mary’s that could allow Barcelona to swoop for the Dutchman for around £2 million compensation, report the Daily Star, as the future of Nou Camp manager Luis Enrique becomes less clear after numerous reports of disputes with high profile players at the La Liga club.
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Koeman has been a revelation on the south coast since becoming Saints manager in the summer, replacing the equally successful Mauricio Pochettino who moved to Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur, so it would be no surprise if bigger clubs were looking at a manager who also has huge experience in the game as both a player and a manager.
The Dutchman is still loved in Catalonia for his exploits at Barcelona as a player and there is a feeling that he could be a popular choice to replace Enrique if the former Celta Vigo boss is dispensed with following a difficult game against Atletico Madrid at the Nou Camp on Sunday night.
Koeman himself has remained coy on any speculation linking him with a return to Barcelona, insisting this week that he was happy at Southampton and that any speculation was disrespectful to his current employers:
“It is not a time to talk about that. It is not respectful to the people of Southampton or Barcelona.”
“I am very happy to be here. I started a contract and I like to respect my contract and the people.”