Philippe Coutinho dropping in value and status

Philippe Coutinho has been one of the most ruinous signings in the history of FC Barcelona, although not even his departure from the Blaugrana club to Aston Villa has served to halt his devaluation as a footballer. The latest proof is the offer made by Besiktas to sign him for next season.

The Turkish club has set its sights on the former Blaugrana midfielder, aiming for a loan with a purchase option of only 8 million euros, well below the 120 million that Barça paid at the time to Liverpool, an agreement that also included an extra package of 40 million more in several variables. 

The signing was a lousy deal for Barcelona, and after two loan spells at Bayern Munich and Aston Villa, they only managed to recoup 20 million by transferring the Brazilian to the English club a year ago, although the Blaugrana reserved 50 percent of the capital gain from a future sale of the player.

Coutinho has just turned 31 years old and once again lost prominence over the course of the last season. In fact, since mid-February, he has made just one appearance.

The reality is that Aston Villa do not want the Brazilian and Besiktas are trying to sign him at a bargain price. According to Turkish newspaper 'Milliyet', the Istanbul club has made an offer to loan him that only includes paying 40% of the winger's salary. Both clubs are negotiating.