Jonatan Giraldez Announces Barcelona Departure

Barcelona manager Jonatan Giraldez confirms he will leave Barcelona at the end of the season.

Jonatan Giraldez has informed Barcelona that he does not wish to accept their new contract offer and he will depart at the end of the 2023/24 season. He also confirmed he will not be taking up a role in Europe, fuelling speculation that he has agreed to join a team in the US NWSL.

Under Giraldez’s management, Barcelona lifted a Champions League trophy in the 2022/23 season, with a memorable comeback against Lyon.

Barcelona’s financial problems have been well-documented, with president Joan Laporte inheriting over $1 billion of debt at the club.

With finances limited at Barcelona, it is thought that Giraldez received a more lucrative offer. Relovo has reported that Washington Spirit has offered Jonatan Giraldez five times his current salary.

Meanwhile, Alexia Putellas appears to be in a stalemate with contract negotiations. Rumours have been circulating that Barcelona have not yet put a good enough deal on the table to convince her to pledge her future to the club.

There is still plenty of time for an agreement to be reached but two-time ballon d’Or winner Putellas is unlikely to accept a low-ball offer, especially as she heads into the latter stage of her career.