Philippe Coutinho, a problem Barca need to solve

Philippe Coutinho, a problem Barca need to solve

Coutinho / | sport

The Brazilian must surely leave in the summer but there is a tough job on to get him out

Philippe Coutinho’s return was set for April but there is no return date right now. And if he plays 10 more games for Barcelona, to reach 100 games, the club will owe Liverpool another 20 million euros.

Two aspects complicate his sale in the summer. The first, economic consequences of the pandemic. Right now, Barca’s 160 million euro signing (120 + 40), is worth around 40 million euros. That still means only top-level sides can sign him. His salary is one of the highest in the squad too. Not even Bayern wanted to keep him after loaning him, despite him playing an important role.

The Bavarian side took on his wage but after a loan they did not execute their buy option. He returned to Barcelona to find an exit, perhaps to England, but Koeman used him at the start of the season and convinced him he could succeed in Catalonia.

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Coutinho started off well and said himself he was mentally stronger now and ready for the challenge. However his performances weakened and then he suffered a serious meniscus injury. A set back that actually allowed Pedri to explode. The 3-5-2 system currently in use won’t suit him either when he’s back.

Barca players say Coutinho is loved at the club but there is less and less space for a player that has lost his spark since leaving Liverpool.

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