Barcelona are considering multiple ways to offload Philippe Coutinho during the January transfer window, including terminating the reported Newcastle United target’s contract.
That’s according to Sport, who report the Blaugrana need Coutinho off their books as soon as possible. They accept they must make two signings next month who can have a dynamic impact on the Camp Nou dressing room amid a torrid campaign for the Catalan giants.
But Barcelona must work within a strict salary cap, so cannot add any players unless others go. Coutinho and Samuel Umtiti, therefore, head the chopping block with neither in favour.
Coutinho and Umtiti sit heavy on the Blaugrana wage bill with respective salaries of £380k and £263k-a-week. The La Liga side have multiple formulas on the agenda to separate from the pair. A transfer is the likely option, but have not ruled out tearing up their contracts.
A unilateral termination would be a last resort if Coutinho and Umtiti refuse to leave in the January sales. The club know doing so risks legal action down the road, but needs must.
Newcastle offered chance to sign Barcelona flop Coutinho for free?
Barcelona ceasing Coutinho’s contract may give Newcastle a chance to seal a free transfer for the Brazilian next month. The Blaugrana will assess his situation after December 21.
Prior reports by Sport claim Newcastle could target Barcelona outcast Coutinho in a winter transfer following their Saudi-led takeover. The Public Investment Fund also held some discussions with the Brazilian this summer, when he was available for €50m (£47m).
Additionally, Sport noted in November that Barcelona expect Newcastle to target Coutinho in a January transfer. The Camp Nou outfit would even consider a loan to remove his wage.
Their desperation to sell the former Liverpool maestro – now offered to Manchester United and City – shows the scale of his plight in Catalunya, since joining for an initial £105m.
Coutinho has only started five of his 11 La Liga appearances so far this season. He has also only scored twice, is yet to assist and has only started once in three under Xavi Hernandez. But his opening call against Real Betis only lasted an hour before being hauled off in defeat.
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