NWSL-linked Giráldez plans to leave Barcelona – source

Champions League-winning Barcelona Femení coach Jonatan Giráldez has told the club he plans to leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season, a source told ESPN.

Giráldez, 32, announced his decision to give Barça time to develop a contingency plan before next season.

– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (US)

Local media claim that Giráldez has attracted interest from several NWSL teams, including an “astronomical offer”, and that he could move to the United States when his contract with Barça ends next summer.

The source was unable to confirm the information to ESPN. Giráldez is due to address the media next Wednesday, when he will give a press conference ahead of Barça's Champions League match against Rosengård.

Giráldez replaced Lluís Cortés as Barça coach, after being part of Cortés' team, in 2021 and enjoyed great success during his two years in charge.

Barca have won Liga F in each of the last two seasons, including winning all 30 of their league matches in 2021-22, and have also reached the last two Champions League finals.

They were beaten by Lyon in 2022, but came from 2-0 down to beat Wolfsburg 3-2 in this year's final, winning the competition for the second time in their history.

The success saw Giráldez nominated for the 2023 FIFA Best Women's Coach Award earlier this week, alongside Chelsea's Emma Hayes and England's Sarina Wiegman.

Giráldez's decision comes amid a wider period of change at Barça, with sporting director Markel Zubizarreta recently leaving the club to join the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) in the same role.

Zubizarreta was replaced by Marc Vivés, who has a lot of work to do with several players also out of contract next summer.

This list includes 2021 and 2022 Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas, England international Lucy Bronze, Mapi León, Mariona Caldentey, Sandra Paños, Asisat Oshoala and Marta Torrejón.