10 candidates to replace Lucho at Barça and their current work situation

Luis Enrique has announced he will leave his role as Barcelona manager at the end of the season. 

President Josep Maria Bartomeu now must find his replacement, although he says he will work with complete discretion as Luis Enrique and his players focus on La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League. 

For the moment, one thing seems certain: Barça are looking for a coach that will be true to the style which has marked them since Johan Cruyff's spell in charge. 

Therefore, having formed part of the club before will be seen as a bonus, as it was for Josep Guardiola, Tito vilanova and Luis Enrique. 

Another fundamental factor will be the candidate's current contract situation, if they have a job, a release clause...

THE SITUATION 

Here is the situation with the names that have been mentioned so far.

Ernesto Valverde: Out of contract at Athletic Club in the summer. Has not signed a renewal despite the fact talks have began. Played for Barça in the early Cruyff years. 

Ronald Koeman: Has a deal with Everton until 2019 and an eight million euro release clause. The hero of Barça's first European Cup win in 1992 and Wembley. Recently said he's not thinking of changing clubs, but added: "You never know what will happen. Today it's sunny, tomorrow it could rain." 

Eusebio Sacristan: Recently renewed his deal with Real Sociedad until 2019. Has La Real fifth in the table fighting for a Champions League spot. Another player from the Cruyff era and has also trained the B team, between 2010 and 2015. 

Juan Carlos Unzue: Luis Enrique's No.2 and also out of contract this summer. A goalkeeper at Barça and part of various different coaching teams at the club since his retirment as a player in 2004. He's been a goalkeeping coach and is now Luis Enrique's assistant having previously worked together at Celta Vigo. Had a brief spell as a first team boss at Numancia. Seen as a solution to offer continuity, as Vilanova did after Guardiola. 

Jorge Sampaoli: The Sevilla manager has a contract until 2018 and a release clause of 1.5 million euros, although the Andalusian club are trying to extend it. His style is attacking and brave and would suit Barça. He has Sevilla in the fight for the title and has had success in the past with Chile. He's the favourite in SPORT's poll. 

Jurgen Klopp: Liverpool manager. Has a deal at Anfield until 2022. His work with Borussia Dortmund drew worldwide recognition. Now trying to do the same in the Premier League, although has had a difficult start to 2017. 

OTHER CANDIDATES 

During the coming weeks, the list is likely to grow. here are other managers who have already been mentioned with the job. 

Laurent Blanc: Out of work. Played half a season at Barça in the mid 1990s. Has coached Bordeaux, France and Paris Saint-Germain. 

Oscar Garcia: A Barça player since he was a kid, all the way through to the first team. Also began his coaching career at La Masia. After coaching in England and Israel, he's not with Red Bull Salzburg, with a deal until 2018. 

Phillip Cocu: Luis Enrique's teammate at Barça between 1998 and 2004. Captained the club, too. Now the boss as PSV and with a contract until 2019. True to the Dutch style of football which has been implanted at Barcelona. 

Gio van Bronckhorst: Part of Frank Rijkaard's Barça side between 2003 and 2007, winning a double and the Champions League. Now coaching Feyenoord and with a contract until 2019. Another from the Dutch school of football and it shows in his coaching. Has also worked with Koeman while developing as a coach.