Bartomeu reveals that Valverde's contract doesn't expire until 2020 FC Barcelona It was believed to run to 2019

There has been another twist and turn in the saga of Ernesto Valverde's future, with Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu revealing that the coach's contract runs until 2020.

It had been believed that the tactician's deal was to 2019 with the option to extend for one more year, but the reality is that the contract is until 2020 with an option to terminate the partnership one year early.

There is a slight difference between these two situations, but the main point to note is that if no clause is activated then Valverde will still be under contract at the Camp Nou for the 2019/20 season.

As Bartomeu explained in an interview on Monday with Catalunya Radio, there is a clause which can end the deal next summer if a certain amount of money is paid.

"Valverde has a contract for this season and the next one, as we signed a three-year deal with a clause through which the club or the coach can end the agreement in advance by paying a certain amount," he said.

"How much? That is confidential."

Bartomeu's statements go against what he previously said one month ago, what Valverde himself has said and what the club website said when Valverde's appointment was announced.

However, sources at the club have confirmed to MARCA that what Bartomeu said this Monday is correct.

Even if there is an escape route for both parties, Valverde's contract runs until 2020, not 2019.