Quique Setien would be willing to take a chance on the former Barcelona star if the club decide to keep him.
Barcelona manager Quique Setién has met with the club on different occasions to discuss possible exits and arrivals for next season. That includes what to do with players currently on loan.
One of those players is Philippe Coutinho. The Brazilian star has spent this season on loan with Bayern Munich after failing to impress with the Catalans since arriving from Liverpool. But his future could see him given a second chance at the Camp Nou.
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According to Diario Sport, Setién would welcome Coutinho back if the club do not receive a substantial offer for the Brazilian.
The club would prefer to sell him but may have to take a significant in any potential transaction.
The former Liverpool player has found it a challenge at Bayern Munich as well and it is unlikely the German side pick up his option to make his move permanent.
Setién appears to be a fan of Coutinho and thinks he would add a technical presence to the side and the ability to play between the lines.
However, the final decision will lie with the club and considering the players they are thinking of signing and how much they will cost, they are going to sell some players to offset those costs.
Still, it would not be the worst thing in the world if Coutinho were to return. Perhaps under Setién he’d find more freedom than he did under Ernesto Valverde. Considering how injuries have decimated the Barcelona front-line, having someone like Coutinho as depth would be a bonus. An expensive one, but a bonus nonetheless.
Coutinho seems to be bereft of confidence. He looked to be toward the end of his time at Barcelona and looks so now with Bayern Munich. If the club can get him to the level he displayed at Liverpool then they could either keep him and he’d help the team or be able to negotiate a higher transfer fee if they ultimately decide to sell him.