The Brazil playmaker has bounced back from an indifferent start to the 2018-19 campaign and has shown some of his best form in the Champions League
Philippe Coutinho is now desperate to extend his stay at Barcelona after overcoming a rocky patch of form to show the Liga champions he has the talent to be a star at Camp Nou.
That lack of playing time had led to rumours that Barca would be willing to listen to offers in the coming transfer window, with the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain signalled as possible suitors.
But a recent upsurge in form ahead of Wednesday's Champions League semi-final first leg, ironically against his former club, has helped convince those in charge that his services should be retained for next season.
While just a few short weeks ago the priority among those in charge at Barcelona was to attempt to recoup most of the β¬135 million (Β£116m/$150m) spent on the ex-Liverpool man, those recent improvements have changed the panorama.
Coutinho is almost certain to start on Wednesday against his former employers, and now thanks to efforts from his family are settled and happy in Spain and in the Barca dressing room.
Goal understands that Coutinho too is determined to push on in Spanish football, using the prospect of a Champions League title as further motivation in his battle to win over the sceptical Catalans.
Despite the reported interest in his signature, therefore, the playmaker does not want a move this summer.
Coutinho put in one of the best displays of his short Barca life in April to fire Ernesto Valverde's men to a 3-0 thrashing of Manchester United in the quarter final, scoring the third goal after Lionel Messi's early double.
Indeed, his Champions League form has been markedly better than in La Liga, having netted three goals as well as contributing three assists in his nine starts so far in the competition.
In total he has played 72 games in the Barca shirt, scoring 21 goals and lifting two Ligas, a Copa del Rey and Supercopa.
pundkmno
206
yess...he deserves it.. coming to a world class team he needed time.. he and messi shares the same way of playing..so in messi presence he couldnt do his best.. he is improved..dribbling needs to be better and need to convert his shorts into goals.. he has a bright future in Barca.. Coutinho to be the best at BARCA soon #FORCA_BARCA
lublnpstz
190
Brazilians will stay at barca and become one of legends in future. His performance will be better soon. Footballer with no haters ππ
rusemrsty
151
Liverpool always down from barca.. so puts your hand on mouth Liverpool fans... barca going to be champion of this UEFA champions league π insallah ππ§π©
yatabcdmo
115
How come all of you just forget of umtiti do easily, he's far better than pique, lenglet or delight
mweuc654
75
There is no life without challenges .. Hey bro Coutinho just experience your challenges on barca coz there is party and joy life after it.... I admire your decision to stay on barca coz you realize challenges is part of life to any human being... I think you will have lucky next season and your will prove failure to those who criticizes you now Good luck Coutinho and all the best..
Pacbprz
73
He is the βMessiβ choice not a farmer ...
Longlife2000
73
He came for trophies and he's getting them π Coutinhoooooo π΄π΅
Messigician9703
68
People expect him to score in every match despite being an attacking midfielder. Is it because of his price tag or because of Valverde fielding him as a winger? Nevertheless, if he doesn't score, he is said to have an aweful match sometimes.
ChifuMu
63
He has convinced the Barca hierarchy, he also needs to convince us the FANS on The pitch. The money we paid for him was too much. We could have used that Money for Messi's pension.
giriraj10
55
Coutinho problem I think is the place he is playing.... He is a very very attacking minded midfielder but the point is he is midfielder.... As he is playing in the wing he is attracting the defenders and arthur, rakitic using the space.... In Brazil neymar attracts the defenders and pass the ball to coutinho and then shoot those beautiful curling efforts.... Can't blame valverde though... Our midfield is packed.... So, I think coutinho must figure out a plan of how be that lethal being an winger.... And he better do it fast! Good luck coutinho
Radipooh
54
If Coutinho indeed gets another chance and another season, he REALLY needs to grab it/ them with both hands, both feet, his brain, everything; cause if he doesn't it'll surely be his last.....He really hasn't convinced me this season, and I was happy to get back most of the money spent on him to invest in other players...Good luck to him though.
nozcdstuy
52
coutihno is talented more than Dembele however Dembele 's form is very high n he play with high confident. but coutino is a great player he will prove it very soon. mark my words.
Rhapsody337
51
he should never think of leaving barca, and barca shouldn't let him go, he'll perform good again, I trust him β€π barca
Williej
46
I still think he should be sold. He's not performing like we expect him to. and Valverde keeps playing him as a forward. Coutihno is not scoring any goals. I don't know how he's managed to fool y'all into thinking otherwise.
Mosanya
46
Am happy to hear this news, coutinho is a great and talented player, he joined Barca because it was his dream, and he still has a lot to offer, he has improved In recent games and I am happy, Coutinho will stay in barca for long time and he will win trophies. Good Luck Coutinho hope you play well against Liverpool and wish you the best of luck.
rodaknortz
45
If this is not a rumours about his stay, than I'll be the happiest on planet earth. Continhno is the only player to replace messi just in terms of injury so we need him the most. House can never be build in a single day. Philip will adopt well it's just the matter of time. it sound senseless to buy player for Β£146m and sell him for just β¬100m or less. Philip is too good for such transfer business. sports is business and business without profit is never a business. Congratulations Philip that's a perfect decision. I wish you well.
Hardex62
41
lets give this guy a chance to prove himself and prove us wrong that we never waste that amount of money π° on him
Kunjhann_Geo
39
which was right answer will get on 8 MAY 2019.........
Pimp1926
36
Man has more trophies in 15 months than what Liverpool has in 30yrs
Jackiexyz
34
In total he has played 72 games in the Barca shirt, scoring 21 goals and lifting two Ligas, a Copa del Rey and Supercopa. what more do you want from him? he's a midfielder and despite that he has a good scoring rate, is his second season only. I'm sure he'll adapt in Barca, he just needs support and motivation from fans, club's staff and other Barca players
FR25
32
We trust our man. he will prove, because he is not a normal player he is a creative player
Numbiklrtu
32
proud to be coutinho's fan, all the rumour has gone with the wind now im very happy to see him again in Barcelona for next season. I am sure that he will bring glory for Barca and his fans. incredible and enthusiastic player mr. coutinho long live....