Coutinho set for Barca stay

There has been much talk about Philippe Coutinho and his potential departure from Barcelona, but according to Mundo Deportivo, the Brazilian has decided against a move.

Coutinho arrived to Barcelona in January last year in a €160 million deal, which made him the third most expensive player ever, behind only Paris Saint-Germain’s stellar duo of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe. However, he has so far failed to live up to the expectations at Camp Nou, as he still hasn’t convinced manager Ernesto Valverde to give him a place in his first-choice starting XI. Capable of playing in midfield as well as a wide forward, the 26-year-old hasn’t made any of those roles his own yet. Further more, when given a chance, his performances continue to justify Valverde’s actions.

Some reports claimed the Catalan club were considering cashing in on Coutinho in order to fund a potential return of Neymar, while others suggested they were willing to listen to offers. However, first Valverde backed him to fight for his place in the team, and now it seems the player himself has decided to stay put.