Philippe Coutinho is open to a move to Paris Saint Germain, which would see Neymar head in another direction.
Philippe Coutinho, who has been strongly linked with a swap deal, has reportedly agreed over a move to PSG. The Brazilian has been touted as the sweetener in Neymar’s comeback to Nou Camp.
Even though the deal has been denied by the club’s representatives, they are working from behind the scenes to avoid any misery. The Blaugrana have missed the winning formula in the Champions League since the departure of Neymar back in 2017. Back-to-back humiliations in the hands of AS Roma and Liverpool have forced Ernesto Valverde to change the frontline.
According to Sport, there is growing confidence from Barcelona camp over a return for Neymar. The Spanish giants have been negotiations with PSG and acceleration has been found in the recent days.
With the French outfit willing to sell only one of Kylian Mbappe or Neymar, it looks likely to see the latter moving on from the club. This has interested Barcelona, but they have been told to send two players in a straight swap deal.
PSG have been long-term admirers for Philippe Coutinho. If any deal is to materialize, the Brazilian must go the other way. To smoothen things, the 27-year-old has said ‘okay’ for a transfer to the French side. His agent Joorabchian is in constant touch with PSG’s director Leonardo.
The personal terms will not prove to be a stumbling block for PSG, but Barcelona will find it hard without Neymar’s pay cut. All the parties are focussing on the Copa America to proceed with the deal after the tournament.
As stated earlier, Barcelona will have to send another player along with Philippe Coutinho in the other way. Ivan Rakitic was close to joining PSG last summer, but the deal fell through. The Blaugrana do not wish to trim the midfield department, ruling out an exit for the Croat. The Spanish side has to take a decision on the other player, else the move could be in a jeopardy.
Here’s how Twitter has reacted..
What’s next?
Neymar is excited about the prospect for a reunion with Lionel Messi, although the financial agreement needs to in place for a deal to go through.
