Done Deal: Ex-Liverpool Playmaker Set For Barcelona Stay

Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho will stay at the club beyond this summer amidst the transfer rumours linking with a move back to the Premier League.

According to popular media outlet Goal, Coutinho will stay at the Nou Camp for next season after the former Liverpool playmaker managed to turn the corner in the wake of his poor start to life as a Barcelona player.

Brazilian international Coutinho struggled to impose himself on his new team in his first club and he had to contend with a lack of playing time at Barcelona but recent performances have been uplifting for both the player and the club’s fans as they prepare to take on his former club in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal clash.

• Why Barcelona win is no big deal, Mourinho takes swipe at former side

Barcelona were looking to sell him to the highest bidder as they try to recoup the initial transfer fee of £116m spent on him when he joined them from Premier League club Liverpool but that’s no longer the situation with his return to form.

Coutinho scored one of the Champions League goals in the last round after he wrapped up a 3-0 win over Premier League giants Manchester United.

It was the second leg of their Champions League quarterfinal clash with the Red Devils which ended in a 4-0 aggregate victory for Barcelona.

Coutinho would be looking for the same impact against Liverpool in the semis.