‘Waiting for Coutinho’s medical’ – Next few hours key as Barcelona and La Liga need Aston Villa answer

Monday saw Barcelona extend the contract of Samuel Umtiti, a player they’ve been trying to get rid of for more than a year, until 2026.

The plan is that he’s accepting lower wages on a longer deal, and the drop in the club’s salary bill will allow them to register Ferran Torres, their recent big signing from Manchester City.

However, Mundo Deportivo report that things aren’t quite that finalised, because Barcelona need to hear from Aston Villa that Philippe Coutinho’s loan transfer has been completed.

With a headline reading ‘Waiting for Coutinho’s medical’, the Catalan newspaper explain that both Barca and La Liga are waiting to hear the medical checks are complete and approved, and that the Brazilian has finalised his work permit for the UK.

Only then will La Liga consider the player’s wages, or at least part of them, not part of Barcelona’s accounts any longer.

The ‘next few hours’ is thought to be key, because that’s when Aston Villa are expected to finalise everything.