Philippe Coutinho agrees PSG move as Barcelona step up chase for Neymar
Posted Thursday, July 04, 2019 by Express.co.uk
Philippe Coutinho could be the key for Neymar's return to Barcelona (Image: GETTY)
PHILIPPE COUTINHO has agreed to join Paris St-Germain from Barcelona this summer to pave the way for Neymar’s return to the Nou Camp.
Coutinho has struggled to stand out for Barca since the club’s record transfer of £140million from Liverpool last year and may be keen for a new challenge in another top team.
According to SPORT, the Brazil international’s representatives have been negotiating a possible move with PSG sporting director Leonardo and that could help Barcelona bring Neymar back to Spain.
The La Liga champions have been wanting to re-sign the Brazilian superstar for quite a while but it seems like they will have to swap some of their own players for the deal to come through.
And Ernesto Valverde’s side could use Coutinho as a way to complete the transfer and that may also lower the asking price of Neymar, who joined the Ligue 1 champions for a world-record £200m from Barcelona in 2017.
It was reported that Ivan Rakitic could also be part of the swap for the PSG star but it currently looks like he will stay put at the Nou Camp.
However, the Spanish outfit could be more willing to let Ousmane Dembele, and Samuel Umtiti go to Paris.
Neymar is reportedly keen to return to Barcelona after two years at the Parc des Princes.
During his stunning four years in Catalonia the forward scored a total of 105 goals in 186 matches.
He also won two consecutive La Liga titles, three straight Copa del Reys and the 2015 Champions League.
The 27-year-old formed an incredible trio with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez up front, dubbed MSN.
Together they scored a staggering 270 goals and are set for a grand reunion if Neymar returns.
Coutinho is now away on international duty with Brazil at the Copa America but things could dramatically speed up once he returns.
But that won’t be until after Saturday which is when the Selecao will compete in the final against either Chile or Peru.
Brazil made it to the final after beating Argentina 2-0 with goals by Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus and Liverpool star Roberto Firmino.
Neymar was ruled out of the competition on home soil after rupturing an ankle ligament during his country’s 2-0 friendly win over Qatar in Brasilia.
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