Coutinho’s agent offers clarity on Premier League move after Koeman chat

Philippe Coutinho’s agent has ruled out the midfielder moving to the Premier League this summer following a chat with Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman.

The Brazilian international has been linked with several English clubs this year after Bayern Munich opted not to keep the player on despite a successful loan spell.

Coutinho also looked to have burnt his bridges back to Barcelona after scoring twice in Bayern’s 8-2 hammering of the Spanish club in the Champions League.

However the arrival of Koeman looks to have granted Coutinho a lifeline to try and salvage his Barcelona career.

Asked by talkSPORT whether he expects Coutinho to stay at the Nou Camp, the player’s agent Kia Joorabchian said: “Yeah. Koeman called him right after the Champions League victory with Bayern, 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.”

Koeman’s appointment signals a remarkable U-turn for Coutinho who looked to be on his way out of the club.

Are Barcelona making the right decision in keeping Coutinho? Have your say below.

While the 28-year-old has a chance to stake a claim for a regular place in Barca’s side, the same opportunity has not been afforded to Luis Suarez, who is reportedly on the verge of joining Juventus.

Suarez, 33, is said to have agreed terms on a three-year contract with the Italian club worth €10million (£9m) per season.

Barca and Juventus are now thrashing out the terms of the transfer agreement with a fee yet to be determined.

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