Reports: Barcelona open to selling €100M-rated Manchester United target
What's the story?
According to Spanish media outlet Marca, Barcelona have opened up the doors to let former Premier League midfielder Philippe Coutinho leave the club.
In case you didn't know..
Philippe Coutinho arrived at Nou Camp with huge expectations as he became the club's most expensive signing in history when he arrived from Liverpool last year. The Brazilian has struggled to live up to €120 million Barcelona paid to secure his services.
Despite making an immediate impact with the club, Coutinho is enduring tough times with the Catalan giants lately. The Brazilian midfielder has 9 goals and 5 assists to his name in all competitions this season, but he is yet to adapt with the club.
While Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool are thriving on without him, Coutinho is struggling to integrate himself fully with Ernesto Valverde's side, despite the coach keeping full faith on him.
The heart of the matter
The Catalan giants have run of patience with their most expensive signing and are listening to offers as they are keen to offload Coutinho in the summer.
Barcelona hierarchy realise that the transfer was a huge failure as Coutinho was touted as the replacement of Andres Iniesta. Despite initial promise, the performances are not at all up to the expectations of the Catalan giants.
According to the report, Barcelona have opened the door for Coutinho to make his exit but they won't sell the Brazilian for anything less than €100 million. With the signing of Frenkie De Jong, competition will only increase and Barcelona can make more profit by selling the Brazilian than Rakitic.
Manchester United and Arsenal are among clubs who can afford Coutinho and would be interested in bringing on a proven Premier League star.
Rumour rating: 6/10
The increasing competition can propel Coutinho to look for other options and Barcelona are keen to make room for Ajax prodigy. Marca remains a reliable source when it comes to matters involving Spanish clubs.
What's next?
Phillipe Coutinho will want to give his best for Barcelona after returning from the International break as the Blaugrana are alive and fighting in all competitions.
The Catalan giants will host Espanyol next in LaLiga.
Also see : Women's World Cup, Womens World Cup Bracket, Womens World Cup Standings