Philippe Coutinho receives unexpected offer

With just three games remaining in the Clausura 2026 regular season, Pumas sit fourth in the standings and are focused on locking in a playoff spot in Liga MX – and perhaps even ending a title drought that is approaching 15 years since their last championship.

Even though the summer transfer window is still a couple of months away, the Mexico City club has already begun making moves behind the scenes. Reports out of Brazil suggest a major target has emerged as the team looks to strengthen ahead of the next tournament under head coach Efraín Juárez.

According to RTI Esporte, Philippe Coutinho has started exploring options for the second half of 2026. While his priority is said to be a move to Major League Soccer in the United States, Pumas have already reached out with a formal offer in an attempt to bring the Brazilian playmaker to Liga MX.

“In recent days, Pumas of Mexico contacted the midfielder and sent an official proposal. The conversation took place directly with Philippe Coutinho’s representatives. The offer expires in four days. It also includes bonuses for goals and a share in club merchandise sales,” the outlet reported.

The 33-year-old attacking midfielder, who previously played for Barcelona, Liverpool and Bayern Munich, is currently a free agent after ending his spell with Vasco da Gama in Brazil’s top flight. During his time there, he made 124 appearances, scoring 22 goals and providing 10 assists.

After leaving Barcelona, the Brazilian went on to feature for Aston Villa in the Premier League, Al-Duhail in Qatar and Vasco da Gama, where he had also played earlier in his career before returning on a free transfer for the 2025–26 season following his departure from Aston Villa.

As for their immediate focus, Pumas face a crucial run-in to close out the regular season, taking on Atlético de San Luis and FC Juárez before finishing away at Pachuca’s Hidalgo stadium.Those results could define not only their playoff position but also the urgency behind a potential marquee signing like Coutinho.

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