Philippe Coutinho transfer: Barcelona take mammoth decision on Chelsea target’s future at Nou Camp

Philippe Coutinho Transfer: Barcelona have taken a huge decision on Philippe Coutinho’s future at Nou Camp. 

Barcelona had to grapple Liverpool to buy Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool in January 2018. The Brazilian International submitted a transfer request during the closing stages of the summer transfer window 2017, but the owners were firm in their decision by forcing him to stay.

He was mesmerizing during the 2017/18 season with Liverpool by contributing goals and assists every time he steps on the field. He carried the same momentum to Catalonia, doing no harm to his reputation by riling up numbers in the final third. The former Liverpool forward has been struggling to produce a similar output this season.

This directly applied pressure on Ernesto Valverde, who is culpable for playing Coutinho out of his normal position. Till date, the 26-year-old has not operated through his preferred position.  But, the Spanish International has misjudged the Brazilian by using him more as a winger than as a number ten.

In order to buy Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid, the reigning Spanish champions have placed Philippe Coutinho on the transfer list, according to Duncan Castles. Even though the fee has not been mentioned, Barcelona would desire to recoup at least 100 million as a premium. The Spanish outfit are yet to pay another 25 million adds ons to Liverpool, paving way for Valverde to sell him for a little under 100 million plus bonuses.

There is concrete interest from Manchester United and Chelsea, but a deal in the summer window looks unlikely. The Red Devils are not in the Champions League, whilst Chelsea have been hit with a transfer ban.

Alongside Philippe Coutinho, Ivan Rakitic might also leave the club. The Croat has been linked with a move to Manchester United and Barcelona are set to be demanding a fee around 50 million. Rafinha, Jasper Cillessen, Denis Suarez, and Malcom are also anticipated to head the exit door.

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What’s next?

Barcelona will play Valencia in the final of the Copa Del Rey at Estadio Benito Villamarin Stadium on May 26th. Irrespective of the result in the final, the Blaugrana will make a couple of big money signings in this summer window to reinforce their side.