Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
How Philippe Coutinho joining Man Utd could affect Liverpool - United fans will LOVE this
PHILIPPE COUTINHO could cost Liverpool MILLIONS of pounds if he joins Manchester United.
Barcelona: Coutinho struggling with environment says Burley
The Barcelona midfielder has recently been linked with a shock move to Old Trafford.
Rumours of Manchester United’s alleged interest in signing the Brazilian first began to swirl in January, with it being reported they’re willing to splash out £100m to acquire his services.
Philippe Coutinho has failed to establish himself as a Barca regular since his £142million move to the Nou Camp in January 2018.
His position is now under further threat following the winter signing of Frenkie de Jong from Ajax.
And should Barca decide to accept an offer from United for their record signing’s services, it could have a significant financial impact on Liverpool.
Liverpool included a host of clauses in the deal which saw Coutinho leave Anfield.
One such clause currently sees Liverpool make £4.4million for every 25 La Liga appearances Coutinho makes up until 100.
Coutinho is on course to make his 50th league appearance for the Catalan club before the end of the season, meaning Barca will have to pay the Reds £8.8million.
Barcelona have ‘no intention’ of selling Coutinho says Balague
We believe he'll carry on going forward
However, that fee will be voided if Coutinho joins United.
Liverpool are also set to pocket another £4.4million if Barca quality for next season’s Champions League. Another £4.4million will come their way if Barca lift the trophy at the end of the season.
However, if they don’t and the 26-year-old ends up moving to Old Trafford, the clause will no longer be valid.
So all in all, Coutinho could cost Liverpool a staggering £17.6million if he decides to join their eternal rivals.
Things may look bleak for Coutinho at the moment, but Barcelona’s director of institutional and sporting relations Guillermo Amor has insisted he does have a future at the club.
“At the beginning with Coutinho, we were happy and have always been happy," Amor told Sport.
“We have to give him chances and he'll take them. He's always shown his quality. He takes risks, he tries.
“It feels as if everyone is watching what he does, the poor guy. But we believe he'll carry on going forward.”