Philippe Coutinho’s agent has met with Barcelona chiefs for discussions over the Brazilian’s future at Camp Nou.
Coutinho’s future in Catalunya remains in question, despite his arrival - just 15 months ago - as the club’s most expensive signing.
The former Liverpool star was initially signed to be the long-term replacement for Andres Iniesta, but boss Ernesto Valverde was left unconvinced by his displays in a midfield role.
As such, Coutinho has largely been used on the left side of attack, as support for Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, this term.
But Ousmane Dembele has impressed in that role too, meaning Coutinho has often found himself outside of Valverde’s preferred starting XI.
Coutinho is keen to have a bigger role in the side next season, but Valverde prefers the pace of Dembele alongside Suarez and Messi, as well as Arthur in midfield with Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic; then, there is also the incoming Frenkie de Jong.
As such, El Confidencial reports that talks were held as Coutinho's representative, Kia Joorabchian, attempted to find out the club's plans for the ex-Reds playmaker.
The meeting was also used to make clear the player's issues with how he is being uses and how he feels at the club.
Chelsea have been mooted as a potential destination, with Coutinho acting as a replacement for Eden Hazard should he join Real Madrid .
But that is provided the Blues' transfer ban, enforced by FIFA, is delayed; Chelsea have lodged an appeal with the FIFA Appeals Committee.
With Barca having sanctioned the £75million arrival of De Jong, and also keen on his £70million-rated Ajax teammate Matthijs de Ligt, the Spanish champions do need to bring in funds this summer also.
And their most likely source of major funds are Coutinho and France's World Cup winning-defender Samuel Umtiti.
Wimbpty
73
They should be transfer regulation gap. Money is destroying the beautiful game. If I am a manager I will make players sign a two way contract with a possibility of salary deduction in case under performance. Sanchez continue to get 380k per week while players like MC Tom or Shaw are below. Look at Martial since he signed the contract he is a lazy no effort
geniferrr
59
If Barca win the Champions League, he is going nowhere. Coutinho provides a different kind of option for Valverde that could prove critical in tight games.
Rohcdiopsy
53
Coutinho is definitely a good player unfortunately not good enough for Barcelona type of football, in any league he can slot in easily and produce the kind of quality form he was playing at Liverpool. At Barcelona he will struggle for the next two years to reach his potential, he can't drop into a midfield role because he's not better than Busquets, Ivan Ricitic, the combative Vidal or even young gem Arthur. Pure agony.