Philippe Coutinho ‘has been offered to AC Milan to replace Hakan Calhanoglu after the Turkey midfielder moved to bitter rivals Inter’… but Barcelona are only expecting a loan deal after the Brazilian’s injury-plagued season
- Philippe Coutinho’s 2020-21 campaign was disrupted by a serious knee injury
- Barcelona are looking to drive down their huge bill – but can’t sell the Brazilian
- Coutinho reportedly wants a Liverpool return – but Jurgen Klopp isn’t interested
- Leicester City are also said to want to sign Coutinho having made two signings
- Hakan Calhanoglu helped AC Milan qualify for the Champions League last term
- However, he then became the 39th player to cross the divide and join Inter Milan
Philippe Coutinho has reportedly been offered to AC Milan, with the Rossoneri looking to fill the void left by Hakan Calhanoglu’s departure to city rivals Inter last month.
The Barcelona attacking midfielder suffered a serious knee injury in December, restricting him to just 14 appearances last season in all competitions for Ronald Koeman’s men.
The Blaugrana are looking to drive down their huge wage bill, but given the 29-year-old’s physical condition, the only realistic way he can leave is on loan, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Philippe Coutinho has been offered to AC Milan to replace the departed Hakan Calhanoglu
The 29-year-old would only move on loan to the San Siro though after an injury-ravaged season
Calhanoglu starred for the Rossoneri in 2020-21 – before moving for free to bitter rivals Inter
Coutinho is currently in his native Brazil working to get fit ahead of the new season as his compatriots march on to the semi-finals of the Copa America after a 1-0 win over Chile.
Tuttosport are reporting that Stefano Pioli’s side are one of a number of clubs Coutinho’s agent Kia Joorabchian has approached regarding a transfer, with Milan looking for a new creative outlet following Calhanoglu’s move. James Rodriguez has also been linked to Milan, along with two other clubs.
Calhanoglu enjoyed four years at the San Siro after arriving in 2017 from Bayer Leverkusen, scoring 32 goals and producing 48 assists in 172 games and helping Milan qualify for the Champions League in his final campaign with the club – the first time in eight seasons they have made it into Europe’s elite club competition.
Everton playmaker James Rodriguez has been linked with Milan, Atletico Madrid and Napoli
Coutinho’s hopes of returning to Liverpool won’t be realised as Jurgen Klopp isn’t interested
However, he has now joined the Nerazzurri, becoming the 39th player to cross the city’s divide.
One option that definitely appears not on for Coutinho is a return to Liverpool, with The Sun saying that Jurgen Klopp is not interested in the signing despite despite the player’s desire to return to Anfield.
However, Leicester City are reportedly retaining an interest in Coutinho’s services as the Foxes build a squad to try and break into the top four following the signings of Zambia striker Patson Daka and Ligue 1 title-winning midfielder Boubakary Soumare from Lille.
