Why Coutinho to Newcastle could now happen
Philippe Coutinho's Barcelona nightmare could finally be set to come to an end with Newcastle prepared to make an offer for the player.
The Brazilian player has never managed to live up to the massive price tag that followed his move from Liverpool in 2018 and has been linked with a move away from the club over the last few transfer windows.
Coutinho had hoped the arrival of new head coach Xavi might improve his Camp Nou prospects, but he has reportedly now been advised he won't play anymore than he did with the previous incumbent Ronald Koeman.
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Now Newcastle are considering a move, with the club's new owners approaching the Coutinho team to sound out the interest level of the player according to El Nacional.
The 29-year-old recently rejected the links with Newcastle, citing the fact they could be in the Championship next season before the big-spending expected on the squad begins.
But he has now reportedly changed his mind and would be open on a return to the Premier League, where he played his best football.
Coutinho has his eyes on Qatar 2022 with Brazil and sees regular first-team football as his ticket to the winter World Cup.
Barcelona's own struggles
Barca would be open to letting the player leave as they go through a nightmare season themselves.
Steeped in financial difficulty and sitting ten points adrift of leaders Real Madrid in La Liga, Xavi is desperate to raise funds to begin his rebuild.
They would be looking for around €30 million for Coutinho and could use the money to fund their move for Manchester City's Ferran Torres.
Coutinho has never quite fit in at Spain and is seen as a troublemaker in the Barca dressing room.
Bayern Munich loan
He had hoped a 2019 year-long loan to Bavarian giants Bayern Munich would lead to a permanent deal and give his career a fresh start.
But Bayern opted not to sign him after the loan expired despite Coutinho scoring 11 times and providing nine assists in 38 appearances.
