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Barcelona president rules out Philippe Coutinho exit

Barcelona president rules out Coutinho exit
© Reuters
The Brazilian is understood to have a release clause in his Barca contract set at £355million.

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu is adamant that Philippe Coutinho will not be leaving the Nou Camp this summer despite rumoured interest from Manchester United and Chelsea.

Coutinho joined Barca from Liverpool for £142million in January last year but the 26-year-old has not had the same kind of impact as he had during his time with the Reds, resulting in speculation of a move away.

Bartomeu, however, has made it clear Coutinho is part of manager Ernesto Valverde's plans – unless a club triggers the midfielder's release clause, rumoured to be a staggering £355million.

Speaking to Spanish television station TVE, Bartomeu said: "Coutinho is an excellent player and he has the coach's confidence.

"He has a contract with us and he will remain at the team, unless they (another club) meet his release clause."

Bartomeu has also rejected suggestions his club will move to bring Neymar back to the Nou Camp less than two years after he joined Paris St Germain for a world record fee of £200million.

Barca used the money to purchase Ousmane Dembele from Borussia Dortmund, with Bartomeu hailing the striker.

Bartomeu added: "It's not possible for Neymar to come to Barcelona as we have another sporting project with Dembele and Coutinho. We are happy with what we have.

"Dembele is a good professional player. He is a young guy who arrived at a huge club and that's not easy, but he has adapted and he is much better than Neymar."

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Philippe Coutinho in action for Barcelona on March 9, 2019
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1Barcelona13110240122833
2Real Madrid1283125111427
3Atletico MadridAtletico137511971226
4Villarreal127322319424
5Osasuna136341720-321
6Athletic Bilbao135531913620
7Real BetisBetis135531412220
8Real Sociedad135351110118
9Mallorca135351010018
10GironaGirona135351617-118
11Celta Vigo135262022-217
12Rayo Vallecano124441313016
13Sevilla134361218-615
14Leganes133551316-314
15AlavesAlaves134181422-813
16Las PalmasLas Palmas133371622-612
17Getafe13175811-310
18Espanyol123181122-1110
19Real ValladolidValladolid132381025-159
20Valencia11146817-97


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