Coutinho

By Max Wise

Philippe Coutinho’s agent, Kia Joorabchian, has asked Barcelona to come clear on the Brazilian’s future at the Camp Nou.

Joorabchian admits Barcelona have offered positive assurances on Coutinho’s status at the Spanish champions but are secretly planning to include him in a deal that will take Neymar back to Spain.

Neymar is unsettled at Paris Saint Germain and would welcome the prospect of reuniting with the Spanish champions just two years after leaving for France.

Coutinho’s chances of regular first team football have further been diminished after Barcelona signed Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid on Friday.

"The president [Bartomeu] was clear: he had no intention of selling the player, to any club," Joorabchian told RMC Sport.

"With that, and out of respect for Barcelona's decision to keep him, we chose not to look at the market for our player and we have not offered the player to other clubs.

"But I learned, and it's a fact, that [Barca adviser] Andre Cury is saying totally different things. Andre Cury is pushing for Coutinho to be included in the transfer for Neymar.

"As I said, Coutinho has no offer from any other clubs because we respected Barcelona's decision, but they do not respect the word they gave to us.

"We have been silent in this period, but it will not be allowed for Barcelona to lie about the player. They must tell the truth!

"And if they want Coutinho to leave, they have to say it. With the player, we will decide what is best for his future."

Philippe Coutinho has previously admitted that his performances at Barcelona have not been up to scratch since joining from Liverpool in January 2018.

Barcelona broke the bank to secure the services of Coutinho but he has not been able to replicate the sort of form he had shown in England.

The former Inter Milan midfielder made 54 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona last season including 34 in La Liga but only 22 of those league appearances came from the start.

Coutinho also found the back of the net 11 times last term but he was jeered on several occasions by the Barcelona fans, who were discontent with the Brazilian’s output in games.