This is a closed chapter now but Philippe Coutinho’s failed move to Barcelona continues to attract attention and interest. The latest news in this saga is the leaked documents that indicate the massive contract that was drawn up by the Catalans to lure the playmaker to Camp Nou.

Reports from German outlet Der Spiegel indicate that Barcelona offered him a staggering £400,000-a-week to move away from Liverpool this summer. However, the Anfield club decided to hold firm and did not let their star midfielder break the ranks and join Barcelona.

The German newspaper which worked with Football Leaks, indicates that a draft contract of the employment for the Brazilian was dated 31 August, one day before the end of the transfer window.

It reports that the player was offered a guaranteed income of €115,000,000 which is equivalent to £101,000,000, on a five-year contract.

That would have earned the talented midfielder a mouth-watering £391,000-a-week, which would have made him one of the highest paid players in the world.

The report also maintained that the Catalans tabled three different bids for the player but were unable to make progress with any of those. The separate bids were made for £72million, £90million and £118million this summer.

These literally are staggering numbers! Even in this crazy inflated football market, getting £400,000-a-week is still mammoth.

Is that why Coutinho went on strike and submitted an official transfer request to push his way to Barcelona? It is quite possible that Coutinho was swayed by the huge numbers but the real reason would be beyond money.

South American footballers always have an admiration for Barcelona and Real Madrid and they dream of landing up in one of those clubs at some point in their careers. Coutinho is no exception and the thought of playing for a club of his dreams would have swayed his head.

Whatever it is, one thing is clear. Barcelona will not accept defeat in their pursuit of Coutinho and they could be back for the playmaker as early as January. Hopefully, the Reds continue to resist all the moves.

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