Italian outlet Tutto Mercato Web today features a piece where they make it very clear that Philippe Coutinho ‘will leave’ Barcelona in the January transfer window.
It’s said the player has ‘already made it known’ that he’s not staying at the Camp Nou for the rest of the season, and that’s where Newcastle United show up as an option again.
The report claims that Coutinho’s return to Premier League ‘is possible’, as the Magpies are one of the alternatives he has.
The biggest problem for the 29-year-old would now be his salary. It’s said he makes €10m an year, and with Barça not willing to continue paying for part of his wages, he’d probably need to take a pay cut to sign for someone else.
Recent reports from Brazil have also been claiming that Palmeiras want the player, but since his salary demands are considered to be unaffordable for clubs from his home country, there’s indeed a bigger chance for European sides to land him.
With Newcastle not seeming to have a lot of competition for the winger, his January departure would definitely sound like a market opportunity for a club who’s in a rush for reinforcements.
It is, however, worth pointing that St James’ Park isn’t at the top of his destination list, if this morning’s edition of Mundo Deportivo is to be believed.
