Brazillian midfielder Philippe Coutinho will be part of the Barcelona squad going forward, says their president Josep Maria Bartomeu.
Amidst rumours of a Premier League return, Bartomeu has spoken to Spanish television and completely ruled out a transfer, and confirmed the midfielder will remain under contract with the Spanish giants.
According to The Independent, Bartomeu said:
Coutinho is an excellent player and he has the coach’s confidence. He has a contract with us and he will remain at the team, unless they (another club) meet his release clause.
It is reported that Coutinho’s release clause comes in at a staggering £355 million, and despite him underperforming at the Nou Camp since his £142 million transfer from Liverpool last year, the player will be looking to maintain his status in their squad.
Manchester United were also chasing the player’s signature until recent reports stated that a move to Old Trafford would not be on the cards for the Brazillian.
Chelsea will need to fork out on Coutinho’s release clause should they want him to make the move to Stamford Bridge next season, especially with rumours that Belgian winger Eden Hazard is being linked with a move away to Barcelona’s rivals Real Madrid.
Coutinho blew away spectators of the Premier League during his time at Liverpool, often finding the back of the net from long range and being creative on the wing.
