Barcelona planning Philippe Coutinho exit to avoid Liverpool clause

Barcelona are planning an exit for their injured midfielder, Philippe Coutinho, to avoid the hefty fee they must pay to Liverpool if he reaches 100 games.

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The Brazilian star has been a massive failure for the Catalans ever since his 2018 transfer from Liverpool for 145 million euros. Originally signed to replace fellow Brazilian, Neymar, the 28-year-old was loaned out to Bayern Munich after a short spell in the Nou Camp.

Coutinho went on to play as a super-sub for the Bundesliga champions and won the treble under Hansi Flick’s leadership. He even managed to score two goals in the 8-2 trashing Barcelona suffered against Bayern in the last Champions League campaign.

Since his return to Camp Nou, Coutinho did enjoy a few great performances but has been sidelined for the majority of the current season with a rupture of his outer meniscus. While the Brazilian is recovering to make his return, the Barca management are planning to either loan or sell him in the summer transfer window.

The decision is purely economical as the club are struggling with a massive financial crisis. One of the clauses in agreement between Barca and Liverpool during Coutinho’s signing was that the Spanish giants will initially pay 120 million euros but will have to add another 40 million in variables.

Barcelona must pay Liverpool if Philippe Coutinho plays 100 games

According to Mundo Deportivo, the way the Premier League side divided these variables was, 5 million for the first 25 games, 20 million for reaching 100 games, 5 million for winning the Champions  League, and 10 million for qualifying for the Champions League in the first two years of his arrival.

Barca have so far paid 15 million euros, but want to avoid the 20 million due when Coutinho reaches 100 matches in a Blaugrana shirt. The Brazilian international has played 90 matches for the Catalans, scoring 23 goals and providing 14 assists.

Coutinho was set to reach the 100 game mark but a long-term injury prevented Liverpool from earning the 20 million. Joan Laporta’s management are now planning to avoid the sum altogether by loaning or selling the midfielder before he reaches the 100 mark.

Should Barca sell Coutinho to avoid Liverpool payments?