Transfer Centre

Manchester City enter Philippe Coutinho race?

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 17 June 2019

Manchester City reportedly enter the race to sign Barcelona playmaker Philippe Coutinho, who has also been linked with Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and PSG.

Manchester City have reportedly entered the race to sign Barcelona playmaker Philippe Coutinho this summer.

The 27-year-old's future has come under increasing speculation in recent months amid reports that he is unhappy at the Camp Nou, having so far failed to live up to his nine-figure transfer fee.

Manchester United and former club Liverpool had previously been linked with a move for Coutinho, but Marca claims that neither remains in the running.

Instead, there is Premier League interest from Man City and Chelsea, although the latter must first overturn a FIFA-imposed transfer ban before they would be able to bring the Brazilian to Stamford Bridge.

French champions Paris Saint-Germain are also understood to be in the race for his signature, and they appear to be the most capable of matching the wages he earns at Barcelona.

Coutinho is unwilling to take a pay cut despite his desire to leave Catalonia, which could prove to be a sticking point in negotiations with City.

The Brazil international made 53 appearances for Barcelona last season, scoring 11 goals.