Quique Setien expects Philippe Coutinho to be at Barcelona next season: 'I'm counting on him'

Barcelona manager Quique Setien has said Philippe Coutinho is part of his plans next season amid speculation linking the Brazilian midfielder with a return to the Premier League. Coutinho was a big-money signing in January 2018 but has so far struggled to justify the initial £105 million (Dh478m) fee Barcelona paid Liverpool. After 18 months at Camp Nou, the 27-year-old Brazil international joined Bayern Munich on a season-long loan deal, although reports in Germany claim the Bundesliga champions will not look to make the deal permanent. Interest in Coutinho remains high, though, with Premier League clubs Chelsea and Tottenham both linked, but Setien believes the playmaker's future will be at Barcelona. "I think Coutinho is a great player," Setien, who took charge at Barcelona in January following the departure of Ernesto Valverde, told RAC1 radio. "I like him a lot. He's a player who, in principle, is Barcelona's. "Any team that wants him has to pay his clause (which is set at €400m) or a certain amount to Barca. "I'm counting on him [possibly] being here at the start of next season. I don't know what he wants to do. Perhaps I have to speak to him and ask him. He is a great player, without doubt." Coutinho has so far played 76 games for Barcelona, scoring 21 goals and creating 11 assists, while during his loan spell at Bayern he has scored nine goals and created eight assists in 32 appearances.

Quique Setien expects Philippe Coutinho to be at Barcelona next season: 'I'm counting on him'

Brazilian midfielder is spending this season on loan at Bayern Munich