Barcelona chaos set to have major transfer implications for Philippe Coutinho

On Aug 17, 2020

Philippe Coutinho could be handed a lifeline at Barcelona when the club emerges from their dramatic rebuild.

The Catalan club are in disarray after their 8-2 humiliation at the hands of Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

Coutinho scored twice against his parent club late on to rub salt in the wounds – but it could have earned him another chance to make the grade at the Nou Camp.

Quique Setien is set to be sacked by the club with Ronald Koeman in line for the job, whilst reports have claimed Lionel Messi is ready to quit the club.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are now determined to wipe the slate clean and maximise their resources – which could mean Coutinho being given a chance to impress the new manager rather than being sold.

Philippe Coutinho could be handed a Barcelona lifeline amid their chaos
(Image: Getty Images)

Coutinho’s future has looked bleak at Barcelona for some time with the club attempting to offload their record signing.

The Brazilian has failed to live up to expectations since they splashed the cash in a huge deal worth up to €160 million back in 2018.

They tried to offload the former Liverpool man permanently last summer but he eventually joined Bayern Munich in a season-long loan deal with an option to buy.

Despite his double against Barcelona last week, the Bavarian club have decided against triggering that option leaving the Brazilian eyeing a Premier League return.

Can Philippe Coutinho save his Barcelona career? Have your say below.

Coutinho scored twice as Bayern humiliated Barcelona 8-2 in the Champions League
(Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

However, Arsenal have opted to take on cheaper option Willian on a free transfer from Arsenal whilst Chelsea are targeting Kai Havertz.

Coutinho’s high wages mean potential suitors are limited and his agent, Kia Joorabchian, admitted last week he may be forced to stay at Barcelona.

 Recent developments now mean he might not only stay at the Nou Camp but be given a fresh start and a clean slate.

“After the Champions League is finished, and whatever happens, then we’ll sit down,” Joorabchian told talkSPORT last week about Coutinho.

“It could be that Barcelona is the ultimate destination.

“He loves the Premier League, but the finances and the numbers and the situation of COVID are going to play a big part.

“He’s a big player with big numbers.”