Koeman fine with Brazilian flop staying at Barcelona this season — report | OneFootball

The summer of 2021 was initially perceived to be one of great upheavals, but overall it has been a great disappointment. Barcelona have only been able to part ways with a handful of players, none of whom were a significant strain on the club’s finances.

Carles Alena, Konrad de la Fuente and Jean-Clair Todibo have parted ways with Barça, but their exits have little impact in the grand scheme of things.

According to Barcelona based journalist Gerard Romero (h/t Twitch), Philippe Coutinho, one of Barcelona’s biggest financial burdens, might stay another year. He reported that Ronald Koeman would be fine with him staying if the club fails to let him go.

Nevertheless, the Dutch manager could see a use for him as one of the team’s interiors, or false wingers given his new found preference for the 4-3-3.

Beyond this, he adds that crucial element of being a decent squad player. His long range shooting, especially late in matches could prove of use to Koeman’s side.

His second spell in the Blaugrana jersey has been rather unfruitful. Despite the Brazilian being one of the players highest on the list that Barça want to rid themselves of, they have struggled to find any clubs truly interested in him.

AC Milan came knocking on the door, asking for a possible loan deal, but could not commit to paying more than 50% of his salary.

Coutinho had one of his toughest seasons in the Garnet and Blue of Barcelona. Marred with injuries and inconsistency, he struggled to have any real impact on the team’s dynamics.

In the 2020/21 season, he suffered two significant lesions. As per Transfermarkt, he suffered a hamstring injury that kept him out for the better part of a month, as well as a tear to his meniscus, which kept him playing from January till season’s end. He couldn’t even feature for his national team in the Copa America.

The Catalans will try their best to offload him in the 28 days that remain in the transfer window, but will count on him if he stays.