PHILIPPE COUTINHO would prefer to head back to the Premier League rather than return to Barcelona – with Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea keen, according to reports.
The Brazilian’s loan at Bayern Munich has come to an end after the Champions League winners opted against exercising their option buy him.
Coutinho wants to head back to the Premier League, with Man Utd, Chelsea and Arsenal keenCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Coutinho is now set to return to parent-club Barcelona for showdown talks with new boss Ronald Koeman.
But Marca claim the “Little Magician”, 28, would rather go back to England, with a host of top clubs interested.
Coutinho has three years left to run on his current contract at Barcelona.
It’s claimed Koeman does not see the former Liverpool midfielder in his future plans and will push to sell him, much like Luis Suarez.
But very few clubs are likely to take on Coutinho’s £240,000-a-week wages, particularly in the current climate.
Barcelona could therefore offer the Brazil star to clubs for much less than his market value in order to tempt potential suitors into a deal.
Man Utd, Chelsea and Arsenal have all registered their interest during the summer, while Newcastle were linked with a move before their takeover collapsed.
Coutinho – who cost Barca £142million from Liverpool in January 2018 – has been tight-lipped regarding his future.
After helping Bayern to the Champions League trophy, he said: “Of course, I have to go back to Barcelona and then we’ll see what happens.
“I haven’t really thought about it much, I’ve only been focused on the final.
“What I can say is that I really want to work hard to have a great year, but let’s see what happens.”
Coutinho not only cost Barcelona a staggering amount up front and through his astronomical wages, but he also forced the club into paying Liverpool a further £4.5m on Sunday.
On trying to sign Coutinho, the LaLiga giants included a host of future incentives to tempt Jurgen Klopp into selling.
One of those add-ons saw Barcelona forced to pay Liverpool £4.5m if Coutinho ever wins the Champions League while on the books of the Nou Camp.
But bizarrely, the deal never specified as to which club – and after helping Bayern to the title, the Reds pocketed a tidy sum.
Kia Joorabchian says Arsenal have been warned it will take ‘big numbers’ to secure Coutinho transfer from Barcelona
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
