PSG have made a shock approach to sign Philippe Coutinho this summer, mere months after he joined Barcelona from Liverpool.
According to a report by Daily Mirror, Philippe Coutinho might just be on his way out of Barcelona in the summer transfer window. PSG have approached their La Liga counterparts over a possible move for the Brazilian midfielder. Les Parisiens are weighing up a shock £240 million bid to sign him.
Coutinho took some time to adjust to his new surroundings upon joining Barcelona from Liverpool earlier this year in January. But, he established himself as a key figure in the first-team setup in due course, ending the season as one of the most important players in Ernesto Valverde’s side.
10 goals and 6 assists in just 22 appearances are remarkable figures that show the player’s class. He then continued his strong form at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where he was one of the best players for Brazil.
However, Coutinho is now being linked with a shock move away from Barcelona, just six months after he moved to Camp Nou. PSG hold a long-standing interest in signing the Brazilian international, and are looking to land him this summer.
In fact, the European giants have already made an initial approach to sign Coutinho. PSG are creating a lucrative package to tempt Barcelona to sell while also convincing the player to switch allegiances this summer.
While there is a £350 million release clause in his contract, PSG believe they can persuade Barcelona by offering £240 million for him instead. As far as Coutinho is concerned, a staggering £500,000-a-week deal will be offered to him, which will surpass his current wages significantly.
Coutinho’s potential arrival could see the European giants create a formidable midfield trio featuring the Brazilian, Marco Verratti and Adrien Rabiot. A major hurdle in PSG’s pursuit for the Barcelona superstar though, are possible Financial Fair Play implications, having only recently escaped sanctions for their spendings last summer.
But, PSG are ready to break the world record for the second successive summer transfer window. They also see the move as a way to appease Neymar, who has been heavily linked with a move away from Parc des Princes.
Despite the riches on offer though, this looks like a deal that is unlikely to happen unless Coutinho is lured by the staggering wages as well as the chance to play alongside Neymar at the club level. Barcelona are likely to hold firm in their position to not sell the player, and it remains to be seen if Coutinho’s stint at Camp Nou ends after just half-a-season.
