Transfer News: Barcelona set to sign Philippe Coutinho in £148 million deal

Barcelona are reportedly set to sign Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool in a staggering £148 million deal.

According to a report by Yahoo Sports, Philippe Coutinho is set to become a Barcelona player before the transfer window slams shut. The Blaugrana have finally agreed a deal with Liverpool that would see them pay out an eye watering £148 million if all the performance related bonuses are met.

Coutinho has been one of the most instrumental figures at Liverpool in the last two seasons, and is widely regarded as one of the best players in the Premier League at the present moment. During the same period, the player has also established himself as a regular fixture for the Brazil national side.

Coming off a highly productive campaign in the 2016-17 season, in which he bagged 13 goals and 7 assists in 31 Premier League appearances, Coutinho has become a highly sought-after player in the transfer market.

Barcelona have been in hot pursuit of the player for the entire summer, with the club monitoring his progress for a long time. Coutinho, too, is reportedly keen on the move, having handed a transfer request to Liverpool earlier this month, while also refusing to play for the Merseyside club.

Barcelona have been scrambling to find a playmaker this summer following their failed pursuit of Marco Verratti. Xavi’s departure in 2015 left a huge void at Camp Nou, and with Andres Iniesta approaching the end of his career as well, the Blaugrana need a top class playmaker as a long-term replacement.

Nice midfielder Jean Michael Seri was believed to be another player who was being targeted by the Catalan club. But, they have since called off their pursuit of the Ivorian. Therefore, Coutinho is a viable target for Barcelona, who can be a long-term solution at Camp Nou.

Liverpool had initially adopted a firm stance on the Brazil international, insisting that they will let the player leave this summer. However, as per the latest developments, the Reds have softened their position, and are now open to selling him.

Hence Barcelona, who have had three bids rejected for Coutinho so far, and were believed to have given last Sunday as the deadline to Liverpool, are finally set to secure the player’s services. The Blaugrana will shell out a mammoth £148 million to sign the 25-year-old, which also includes performance related bonuses.

Liverpool, though, have requested Barcelona to delay making the announcement of Coutinho’s capture until they’ve finalised his replacement. With the Reds being heavily linked with Thomas Lemar and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, it is only a matter of time before Coutinho’s time at Anfield officially comes to an end.

Meanwhile, Barcelona’s performance in the transfer window seems to be taking a turn for the better at the perfect time after a disastrous start, with the Brazilian playmaker set to arrive on the back of Ousmane Dembele’s acquisition last week.

Barcelona are reportedly set to sign Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool in a staggering £148 million deal.

According to a report by Yahoo Sports, Philippe Coutinho is set to become a Barcelona player before the transfer window slams shut. The Blaugrana have finally agreed a deal with Liverpool that would see them pay out an eye watering £148 million if all the performance related bonuses are met.

Coutinho has been one of the most instrumental figures at Liverpool in the last two seasons, and is widely regarded as one of the best players in the Premier League at the present moment. During the same period, the player has also established himself as a regular fixture for the Brazil national side.

Coming off a highly productive campaign in the 2016-17 season, in which he bagged 13 goals and 7 assists in 31 Premier League appearances, Coutinho has become a highly sought-after player in the transfer market.

Barcelona have been in hot pursuit of the player for the entire summer, with the club monitoring his progress for a long time. Coutinho, too, is reportedly keen on the move, having handed a transfer request to Liverpool earlier this month, while also refusing to play for the Merseyside club.

Barcelona have been scrambling to find a playmaker this summer following their failed pursuit of Marco Verratti. Xavi’s departure in 2015 left a huge void at Camp Nou, and with Andres Iniesta approaching the end of his career as well, the Blaugrana need a top class playmaker as a long-term replacement.

Nice midfielder Jean Michael Seri was believed to be another player who was being targeted by the Catalan club. But, they have since called off their pursuit of the Ivorian. Therefore, Coutinho is a viable target for Barcelona, who can be a long-term solution at Camp Nou.

Liverpool had initially adopted a firm stance on the Brazil international, insisting that they will let the player leave this summer. However, as per the latest developments, the Reds have softened their position, and are now open to selling him.

Hence Barcelona, who have had three bids rejected for Coutinho so far, and were believed to have given last Sunday as the deadline to Liverpool, are finally set to secure the player’s services. The Blaugrana will shell out a mammoth £148 million to sign the 25-year-old, which also includes performance related bonuses.

Liverpool, though, have requested Barcelona to delay making the announcement of Coutinho’s capture until they’ve finalised his replacement. With the Reds being heavily linked with Thomas Lemar and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, it is only a matter of time before Coutinho’s time at Anfield officially comes to an end.

Meanwhile, Barcelona’s performance in the transfer window seems to be taking a turn for the better at the perfect time after a disastrous start, with the Brazilian playmaker set to arrive on the back of Ousmane Dembele’s acquisition last week.