Philippe Coutinho set for Barcelona transfer exit in summer as new president ‘expects ex-Liverpool star to quit’
PHILIPPE COUTINHO will be one of the names up for sale in the summer as Barcelona look to lower their wage bill, according to reports.
The Brazilian has endured a nightmare spell at the Nou Camp since his £142million switch from Liverpool in 2018.
Coutinho, 28, spent last season on loan with Bayern Munich who turned down the opportunity to sign him permanently.
He has been on the periphery of the Barca first-team this season making just eight LaLiga starts.
New Barcelona president Joan Laporta, who returns to the club for a second stint after winning the elections on Sunday, will be forced to address the club’s mounting debts.
That includes slimming their wage bill which remains the highest in world football.
Coutinho earns a whopping £146,000-a-week and takes home a £7.6million salary.
According to AS, Laporta expects Coutinho to quit if the club can find a suitable buyer.
His extortionate transfer fee, high wages and drop in form in recent seasons has prevented European clubs from making their move.
A loan move could be the most likely scenario with previous interest from Tottenham, ex-club Liverpool and Arsenal.
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Laporta, who could also flog Antoine Griezmann, wants to free up enough wages to land Bayern Munich superstar David Alaba.
The defender is leaving the German giants on a free transfer in the summer.
AS’ report adds how Alaba’s agent were in Barcelona last week to discuss a potential switch for Laporta.
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