Tottenham Hotspur reportedly turned down the chance to sign Philippe Coutinho during the summer transfer window.
Tottenham backed away from a potential loan deal for Barcelona star Philippe Coutinho in the final stages of the summer window once they learnt that they would need to pay £40 million to take the Brazilian for the season, according to a report from the Sunday Mirror (11/8; page 72).
Spurs enjoyed an exciting summer that saw Mauricio Pochettino land three permanent signings, while Giovani Lo Celso arrived on loan on transfer deadline day.
There was a spell during the window when Coutinho was linked with a potential return to the Premier League and a move to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The former Liverpool man has endured a disappointing spell at the Nou Camp, and the Sunday Mirror reports that Barca had been working to offload the 27-year-old, who cost £130 million. However, it appears that a potential move to Spurs was off the table almost as soon as Daniel Levy learned the cost of a deal.
The Sunday Mirror (11/8; page 72) reports that Barcelona were demanding £30 million as a loan fee, while Coutinho’s wages meant that Tottenham would need to pay a further £10 million just to take the playmaker for the season.
Coutinho could have been a good addition for any Premier League side had he been able to rediscover the form that persuaded Barcelona to pay a nine-figure fee, as long as the La Liga side demanded a much lower loan fee.
It is no surprise that Spurs backed away from talks once they heard Barcelona’s terms. And it does not look like a decision that they are going to rue as the season gets into full swing.
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