Report: Barcelona present Newcastle United with two options for Coutinho

Newcastle United are hoping to sign Philippe Coutinho this summer and Barcelona have presented the Magpies with two purchase options.

Newcastle United need this takeover to go through so they can get down to business and upgrade the squad with new talent. The Magpies have been linked with several players since mid-April, but Philippe Coutinho is a name that regularly gets mentioned.

The Brazilian international is one of the most talented players in Europe and he would be a massive signing for Newcastle United on and off the pitch. On the pitch, Coutinho would undoubtedly become the go-to player when the Toon press forward to attack.

Coutinho’s presence in midfield would transform the Magpies’ attack with his pace and technical skills up the middle, which is something he excelled in during his six-year stay at Liverpool. Allan Saint-Maximin would appreciate Coutinho’s style of play as he would receive less attention from opposing defenders and could create more scoring chances for himself

Off the pitch, Coutinho would serve as a major statement of intent from the incoming owners. The arrival of star player would show other notable players that Newcastle United are ready to compete, and this would certainly attract more quality players.

Newcastle United have some exciting players to build a team around, such as Martin Dubravka, Jamaal Lascelles, Fabian Schar, Jonjo Shelvey, Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin. What the club needs, though, is at least one top player to break the ice and recruit other notable names.

We know why Coutinho is a top transfer target for Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Amanda Staveley and the Reuben brothers, but what transfer fee and conditions have Barcelona outlined for the former Liverpool man?

According to a new report, Barcelona have two options on the table for Newcastle United and other interested clubs. Option one is to pay Barcelona a transfer fee of £70m. Option two is paying a loan fee of £9m and paying the Brazilian’s entire wage bill.

With the wealthiest consortium of owners on the verge of taking control, both options would be feasible for Newcastle United. The best option, however, is to pay the transfer fee Barcelona are asking for.

By going this route Prince Salman and his partners would show fans, pundits and other teams that they are willing to invest heavily in Newcastle United. Secondly, if the Magpies want to get the best out of Coutinho they need him to be confident and feel wanted. Another temporary loan move is the last thing he needs.

Should Newcastle United dish out £70m for Coutinho? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.