PSG plan swoop for Coutinho
PSG are preparing to offer Barcelona a loan deal with an option to purchase that would see Coutinho unite with his Brazil strike partner Neymar in Paris.
PSG are considering a swoop for Philippe Coutinho that would see the Barcelona striker move to the French capital on a one-year loan deal with the option to purchase, according to what AS has learned.
While the Parisian club are not in a position to pay the 100 million euros Barcelona reportedly want for the Brazilian, they are lining up an alternative proposal that could his make his move to Parc de Princes a reality.
The club’s hierarchy will try to negotiate a scenario in which they would pay the 26-year-old‘s salary for one season, after which they could execute an option to purchase depending on his performance.
Were such a move to happen, it could facilitate the departure of Uruguyan striker Edinson Cavani, who has reportedly agreed terms with Atlético Madrid.
Coutinho open to Barcelona exit
Since his arrival from Liverpool in January, 2018 for 145 million euros, Coutinho has failed to live up to his price tag and has recently been the subject of animosity from sections of the Camp Nou crowd due to his underperformance and perceived lack of effort. And according to Catalan paper Mundo Deportivo, sources close to Coutinho say the player is prepared to leave the club.
As such, Barcelona are reportedly willing to listen to offers for the Brazilian despite knowing they are likely to take a big financial hit from his sale, as the player’s market value has fallen to 90 million euros from a peak of 150 million euros in October, 2018 (transfermarkt.com valuations).
Aside from PSG, Chelsea and Manchester United are also interested in the ex-Liverpool striker, with both Premier League clubs having reportedly contacted Barcelona about acquiring his services.