Philippe Coutinho to Man Utd: Barcelona ace's transfer stance and contract clause revealed

Posted Thursday, January 17, 2019 by Express.co.uk

Philippe Coutinho to Man Utd: Barcelona ace's transfer stance and contract clause revealed
Philippe Coutinho has been linked with a shock move to Man Utd (Image: GETTY)

PHILIPPE COUTINHO has been linked with a shock move from Barcelona to Manchester United this month.

The Brazilian only moved to the Nou Camp last January but has fallen down the pecking order at the Nou Camp.

Ernesto Valverde has preferred Ousmane Dembele to Coutinho in recent matches.

But the Mirror suggest the midfielder is determined to fight for his place at Barcelona and has no interest in a transfer this month.

However, if he struggles to make an impact in the remainder of the season, Coutinho could consider an exit in the summer.

And for teams such as United who could be interested in the former Liverpool star, they will have to break the bank to secure his signature.

That’s because Barcelona inserted a mammoth £355million buy-out clause in his contract on arriving from Anfield.

The Catalan club could accept a lower offer but they will want to recoup the £142m they paid Liverpool for Coutinho.

The 26-year-old has netted six goals and provided five assists in all competitions this season for Barca.

And La Liga expert Graham Hunter believes Coutinho is ‘down in the dumps’ over in Catalonia.

"Coutinho looks a bit down in the dumps, a little bit muddled," Hunter told the Transfer Talk podcast.

"He's not making the right choices on the ball and he's not working hard enough.

Philippe Coutinho to Man Utd: Barcelona ace's transfer stance and contract clause revealed
Philippe Coutinho has lost his place to Ousmane Dembele in recent matches (Image: GETTY)

Barcelona return to action on Thursday when they take on Levante in the second leg of their last 16 Copa del Rey clash.

The Catalan club are 2-1 down on aggregate following the first game.

Coutinho will hope to play a key role for Barcelona in the remainder of the season as they push for La Liga, Copa del Rey and Champions League success.

Manchester United return to Premier League action on Saturday when they welcome Brighton to Old Trafford.