Bayern’s option on Coutinho has expired

Bayern Munich have let the option to sign Philippe Coutinho on a permanent basis expire, according to sporting director Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

The Brazilian went to Bayern last summer on a season-long loan having failed to justify the hefty price Barcelona paid to prize him away from Liverpool in January 2018, and the Bundesliga champions had the option of turning the deal permanent, reportedly for €120 million. However, his performances at the Allianz Arena have been heavily criticized too, and speaking to German magazine Der Spiegel, Rummenigge revealed that the option has now expired.

However, he also said that they would still see if the 27-year-old has a place in their squad for next season, obviously not ruling out a new deal of some sort at this point. Barcelona haven’t ruled out his return to their ranks either.

Meanwhile, Coutinho’s agent recently spoke to Sky Sports and said that the attacking midfielder would like a Premier League return, but the Covid-19 pandemic-caused financial crisis is likely to have an impact on his future too. Liverpool have reportedly already turned down a chance to re-sign him. Now it seems Chelsea have been offered his services as well.