Transfer Centre

Barcelona president rules out Philippe Coutinho exit amid Manchester United link

By Barney Corkhill, EditorPublished: 06 February 2019 1:31 PM

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu rules out the possibility of selling Philippe Coutinho this summer following speculation that Manchester United were interested.

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has ruled out the possibility of Philippe Coutinho leaving the club this summer.

Coutinho emerged as a surprise transfer target for Manchester United during the January window, while former club Liverpool were also linked with a return for the Brazilian playmaker.

The 26-year-old only swapped Anfield for Camp Nou 13 months ago, but he has made just 29 league starts in that time and reports suggested that Barca had been underwhelmed by his form.

United were expected to resurrect their interest in the summer, but Bartomeu has categorically ruled out selling Coutinho at the end of the campaign.

"Are we going to consider the sale of Coutinho? No. It's a club bet," Bartomeu told El Partidazo de COPE.

"He plays differently, he knows how we play, we do not want to sell Coutinho."

Coutinho has scored 18 goals in 53 appearances for Barcelona across all competitions, including eight in 31 so far this season.