Philippe Coutinho: Bayern Munich closing in on loan move for Barcelona midfielder
Written by News on 16/08/2019
Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho is close to joining Bayern Munich on loan, according to Sky in Germany.
Coutinho, 27, was left out of Barcelona’s squad for Friday’s La Liga opener against Athletic Bilbao.
The two clubs are finalising the deal which would see the Brazil international spend the 2019-20 season on loan at the Allianz Arena.
Ahead of their match at Athletic, Barcelona director Guillermo Amor confirmed to Spanish television station Movistar+ that an “agreement in principle” had been reached for the loan of Coutinho to Bayern.
Paris Saint-Germain were in the frame for Coutinho, but opted against the move due to the player’s wage demands, according to Sky in Germany.
Coutinho has been mentioned as a potential makeweight in a deal to bring Neymar back to Barcelona.
Speaking on the Transfer Talk podcast, French football journalist Jonathan Johnson gave an update on Barcelona’s move for Neymar and explained the key role Coutinho could play in the transfer.
“Barcelona basically don’t have enough money to meet PSG’s demands,” he said.
“PSG want Nelson Semedo and Philippe Coutinho plus at least 100m euros in cash. Barcelona are unwilling to meet this, and would rather not let go of Semedo.
“They would rather [let go] Coutinho and Ivan Rakitic. Rakitic himself is not keen on the move, and Ousmane Dembele, another player touted, always wants to stay and fight for his place.
“These were the first official face-to-face talks between the two parties.”
Tottenham were also interested in taking Coutinho on loan this summer, but the former Liverpool player rejected the move.
Transfer Centre
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The transfer window for Spain’s La Liga, Italy’s Serie A, Germany’s Bundesliga and France’s Ligue 1 closes at varying times on Monday, September 2. Meanwhile, League One, League Two and Scottish clubs’ can also do deals until September 2.
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(c) Sky Sports 2019: Philippe Coutinho: Bayern Munich closing in on loan move for Barcelona midfielder
