FC Barcelona manager Quique Setién has dropped a bombshell by hinting that Philippe Coutinho could still have a future at the club during the 2020-21 season.
“He is still a Barcelona player. You have to pay the clause or a transfer fee to Barca. I think he can be here at the beginning of next season,” he told Radio Station RAC 1, as reported.
“I don’t know if he wants to come back or go away again, I have to talk to him to ask him. He is a great player, no doubt about it.”
This news was a big blow for a number of Premier League who have been in constant contact with Philippe Coutinho over a possible summer move.
Clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have all been keeping tabs on the transfer situation and according to some reports, Newcastle United have also made contact with the player’s representatives.
But thankfully, Sport are reporting that the Barcelona management have no intentions of holding onto Philippe Coutinho beyond the current transfer window.
The Catalans know that getting a massive transfer fee for the former Liverpool man will be a near-impossible task which is why they are willing to accept anything in the region of £65million.
Right now North London side Arsenal are said to be the frontrunners in this deal and as per some rumours, they are already in advanced talks with the player’s agent.
But the likes of Spurs and Chelsea will also not give up without a proper fight and even NUFC might make a final dash if they are taken over by the Saudi giants.