Philippe Coutinho ‘set for crisis talks’ with Barcelona

Coutinho's dream move has not gone according to plan

Barcelona forward Philippe Coutinho is reportedly set for crisis talks with the club's manager Ernesto Valverde, to discuss the Brazilian's lack of playing at the club this season. Coutinho joined Barcelona for a massive fee of £142 million in January 2018 and despite an impressive second half to the 2017/18 season, has struggled to make a similar impact this year. That lack of impact, which has come despite the opportunities presented by the injury concerns with fellow forward Ousmane Dembele, has seen Coutinho score just one goal in his last five games, and fail to register a single assist in that time. In 19 league appearances this season - one more than he made for Barca last season - Coutinho has half as many goals and one fewer assist. He also came in for harsh criticism after Barca's 2-0 Copa Del Rey defeat to Sevilla last week, after losing possession of the ball in the run up to the hosts' second of the match. Despite his drop in form, the club's hierarchy are believed to see his long term future at the Camp Nou, though there remains speculation regarding interest from Manchester United and Chelsea. Whether Valverde shares that belief remains to be seen, but given the dwindling time between now and the end of the transfer window, it is unlikely that he will leave the club before the summer. Courtinho leaving would have a knock-on effect for his former club Liverpool, as we previously reported any imminent move away from Barcelona could cost the Merseysiders up to £22 million in lost transfer fees.