Barcelona agree reduced pay-off with ex-manager Ronald Koeman

Barcelona sacked Koeman in October, replacing him with Xavi

Barcelona have reportedly reached an agreement with former manager Ronald Koeman over the terms of his compensation. The Dutchman was sacked by the Spanish club in October after 14 months at the helm, having led them to their worst start to a season since the 1987-88 campaign. Having been replaced by club legend Xavi, it now appears that both parties have finally come to an agreement on Koeman's compensation - with the 58-year-old set to be paid £8.4million (€10m), a fee which will see the Spanish giants save £1.7m, according to Marca. During his reign in the hot-seat, Koeman oversaw one of the most turbulent periods in the club's recent history, with long-serving talisman Lionel Messi leaving Barca for PSG on a free transfer last summer. https://twitter.com/Barca_Buzz/status/1464182854263398400 Despite adding Memphis Depay and former Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero to their ranks, the Catalan giants have made an underwhelming start to the season - winning just five of their opening 13 matches. They have also endured a number of disappointing results, including a 2-1 loss in the first El Clasico of the season to Real Madrid and a 2-0 defeat to rivals Atletico. However, the worst result of their campaign this season saw the Spanish outfit lose 3-0 to Benfica in the Champions League in September - a result that saw club directors debate Koeman's future until 4am before allowing him a brief stay of execution. Since Koeman's dismissal, Barcelona have won two games and drawn three in all competitions. Yet, they currently sit 7th in LaLiga after just one win in their last five matches and take on Unai Emery's Villarreal on Saturday.

Related links:

• Ousmane Dembele becomes first Barcelona player to break Xavi’s new rules
• Ronald Koeman reportedly refusing to take £4m cut on his Barcelona pay-off
• Miralem Pjanić rubs salt in the wounds after Koeman sacking