According to Catalunya Radio and Onda Cero, the Spanish champions started negotiations with the coach over his exit on Monday.
The 55-year-old, who represented Barca as a player, has now part ways with the Blaugrana after they lost 3-2 to Atletico Madrid within the Spanish Super Cup semi-finals on weekday.
His side lead La Liga on goal distinction, however confidence in his ability has depleted.
Quique Setien has been announced as Valverde’s replacement.
Setien is a confirmed admirer of the Barcelona passing style, which was enough for the board to overlook the fact this will be the first major club he has ever worked for.
His agent arrived in Barcelona on Monday evening to discuss personal terms.
While there were not problems, an anticipated statement which was expected to confirm both Valverde’s sacking and Setien’s appointment was delayed until 11pm yesterday.
But Barcelona confirmed the 61-year-old has agreed terms on a contract keeping him at the Nou Camp until June 2022.
The Guardian’s Sid Lowe wrote that club legend Xavi, who manages Al Sadd in Qatar, had turned down an approach to take over in Jan out of respect for Valverde—though he may be appointed within the summer.
RAC1 rumored free agent Mauricio Pochettino is additionally into account despite past comments from the ex-Espanyol chief, who aforementioned he is “never going to be manager of Barcelona”.
Barcelona were recently hit by the news that striker Luis Suarez will be out of action for four months. A club statement aforementioned he underwent surgery following an injury to the “lateral meniscus in his right knee”.
Valverde’s side with success maintained the league title last season however lost 2-1 to Valencia within the 2019 Copa del Rey final.
Barcelona conjointly fell short within the 2018/19 Champions League, letting a 3-0 first-leg lead slip against Liverpool within the semi-finals.
It absolutely was a second wasted chance in Europe on Valverde’s watch once his side were knocked out by AS Roma within the last eight of the previous campaign despite winning the first leg 4-1.
The tactician arrived at the Camp Nou in 2017 once impressing throughout his second stint in charge of Athletic Bilbao.
Valverde conjointly previously managed superior teams Valencia, Espanyol and Villarreal.
