Transfer Centre

Philippe Coutinho agent rules out Premier League move

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 08 September 2020

Agent Kia Joorabchian suggests that Philippe Coutinho will remain at Barcelona for the upcoming campaign, rather than make the switch to a Premier League club.

Agent Kia Joorabchian has revealed that Philippe Coutinho is likely to remain at Barcelona for the upcoming campaign.

With the Catalan giants being required to boost their financial position, it has been suggested that the playmaker could spend the season in the Premier League, most likely at Arsenal.

However, despite frequent speculation regarding the Brazil international's future, Joorabchian has indicated that Coutinho will feature in Ronald Koeman's squad.

Speaking to talkSPORT, he said: "Koeman called him right after the Champions League victory with Bayern [Munich], the following day, and told him he's very much in his plans and would like him to return.

"He was due to return on September 7 but actually he returned at the beginning of September because he didn't want to lose his momentum and fitness, and he's been training with Barcelona.

"All signs point to the fact Barcelona have changed quite dramatically, the way their philosophy of how they wanted to move forward from last year and the players they've brought in, like Coutinho, [Ousmane] Dembele and [Antoine] Griezmann - they're all going to be part of the squad this year."

Before his loan spell at Bayern, Coutinho had contributed 23 goals from 76 appearances in all competitions for Barca.