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Newcastle transfer news: Philippe Coutinho plans Barcelona stay

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In the strange world we now live in, the future of Philippe Coutinho at Barcelona is somehow linked to Newcastle United’s business.

The last time the Brazilian was at St James’ Park was in 2017 when he scored a stunner to put Liverpool 1-0 up against the Magpies.

Just months later and he would join Barcelona for £146million. Sadly, it’s a move that hasn’t really worked out.

Coutinho has often been linked with a move away from the Nou Camp. And last year Newcastle ‘entered the conversation’.

Liverpool v Swansea City - Premier League
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It was reported last April that PIF wanted to bring the Samba star to St James’ Park as they looked to complete a takeover of the Magpies.

Of course, the takeover was delayed. But it finally went through last month, thus leading to a return of the Coutinho to Newcastle rumours.

In October, Sport claimed that the Magpies and PIF could reignite their interest in Coutinho. It has also been reported that Barcelona want Newcastle to make a move for the 29-year-old.

Meanwhile, Newcastle have been told to make a move for Coutinho by TalkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor. Then again, he’s not a ‘pundit’ Toon fans love hearing from

Real Valladolid v FC Barcelona - La Liga Santander
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Philippe Coutinho to Newcastle? No chance

But if Newcastle are serious about trying to sign Coutinho in January then they better be braced for disappointment.

That’s because Sport report that the attacking midfielder has no intention of leaving the Catalan giants in the winter transfer window.

They state that his future will be reassessed at the end of the season, even if Barca do want to get rid in January.

Photo by A. Beier/Getty Images for FC Bayern

Is this a blow for Newcastle? Hardly. A move for Coutinho was never realistic anyway.

Talk of Barca wanting Newcastle to make a move made sense, as we’re the new cash cow in town. Lots of clubs will want to sell their deadweight to the Magpies.

But why would Coutinho want to come to Newcastle anyway? Things haven’t been great at Barcelona, but not so bad that he should ditch them for a Premier League relegation battle.