Coach Rijkaard, striker Eto`o set for better deals at Barcelona (18.06.2005)
MADRID (AP) - FC Barcelona expects coach Frank Rijkaard and striker Samuel Eto`o to sign improved contracts in the near future.
The club`s soccer director Aitor (Txiki) Begiristain said discussions with Rijkaard, whose current deal ends in 2007, were in the "final stage." "They are going along calmly as negotiations should but there`s no risk," Begiristain was quoted as saying on Friday by news agency Efe.
Rijkaard, who took charge in 2003, led Barcelona to the league title last month, the club`s first major title for six years.
Sports daily Marca said on Friday that the Dutch coach`s new contract would provide him with an annual salary of 3 million euros ($4.5 million Cdn) and will run to 2009.
Eto`o, Barcelona`s top scorer this past season with 24 goals, has been the subject of recent speculation that he may leave the club for more money.
But with club president Joan Laporta expected to continue talks with Eto`o when he visits Cameroon this weekend,
Begiristain said an agreement was close.
"It only needs to be signed. It is expected to happen in a few days," Begiristain said.
Marca said Eto`o, whose current contract expires in 2008, was offered a new annual salary of 5 million euros ($7.6 million Cdn) and a two-year extension.
Barcelona midfielders Deco and Xavi Hernandez also won new contracts this week. Brazil forward Ronaldinho, captain Carles Puyol and goalkeeper Victor Valdes are expected to agree to improved deals soon.
Begiristain also said Barcelona could make a third signing this summer to follow midfielder Mark van Bommel and forward Santi Ezquerro.
However, he said it would probably be a player with a European Union passport as Barcelona already has its limit of three non-EU players - Eto`o, Ronaldinho, and Mexico`s Rafael Marquez.
"The foreigners are very well established and are the first who deserve to continue. Each one has made a difference in his position," Begiristain said.
