RONALD KOEMAN is reportedly due to hold talks with Philippe Coutinho in a make-or-break meeting on the playmaker’s Barcelona future.
The new Barca boss is expected to speak to the Brazil star after the Champions League final in a bid to persuade him to stay at the Nou Camp, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman is due to speak to Philippe Coutinho about his Nou Camp future according to reports in Spain
Coutinho, 28, is on loan at Bayern Munich and could well make an appearance in their highly anticipated clash against PSG tonight.
But the Bundesliga champions are unlikely to push for a permanent deal.
This means the midfielder, who is an Arsenal target, could be heading back to his parent club following the final.
A Champions League victory for the star could reportedly cost Barcelona £4.5million due to a contract clause stating Liverpool should receive the fee if he wins the competition.
Barcelona are in the midst of a crisis following the 8-2 hammering Bayern Munich inflicted on them in the competition’s semi-finals earlier this month.
The disastrous loss, in which Coutinho scored twice, was the biggest defeat the club has suffered since 1951.
And the Nou Camp giants, who also lost their La Liga crown to rivals Real Madrid, are reportedly having to tighten their purse strings following the coronavirus pandemic and football financial’s crisis.
It is thought the club, who are facing a battle to hold on to skipper Lionel Messi, are having to flog some of their biggest stars.
Coutinho, who has scored three times for Bayern Munich in the Champions League, could play a part in their final against Paris Saint GermainCredit: PA:Press Association
Former Liverpool frontman Luis Suarez is among the names who could be headed for the Nou Camp exit ahead of next season.
Barca boss Koeman is thought to be impressed with Coutinho’s skills on the pitch and is likely to try and persuade him to stay at the club, according to reports.
On my future, I haven’t thought about it because I’m only thinking about the final
Philippe Coutinho
The Netherlands-born manager is familiar with the Brazil international’s talents having managed Everton and Southampton sides that faced Liverpool during his time in the Premier League.
While Coutinho has yet to wow Barca fans Koeman believes he will be able to get the best out of the midfielder on the pitch.
However the 28-year-old remains coy about his future.
This week Coutinho told Esporte Interativo: “My mind is fully focused on the competition.
“It’s a unique opportunity for us. I’m very happy to be in the Champions League final.
“On my future, I haven’t thought about it because I’m only thinking about the final.”
Kia Joorabchian says Arsenal have been warned it will take ‘big numbers’ to secure Coutinho transfer from Barcelona
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
