Barcelona will NOT return for Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho in January and will wait until next summer
Barcelona will face a difficult mid-season market but with their midfield still an area of significant concern they will turn their attention elsewhere
BARCELONA'S pursuit of Philippe Coutinho will continue to drag on as the club will reportedly not make a move for the Brazilian until next summer.
The disgruntled 25-year old missed the first six outings of the 2017-18 season for the Reds, but his first appearance on Thursday ensured he will ride out the remainder of the season in Merseyside.
Any efforts to bring the midfielder to Barcelona this season came to a screeching halt when he stepped on the pitch in the Champions League match, according to Marca.
Coutinho came off the bench during Liverpool's 2-2 draw with Sevilla to applause from fans despite his rocky relationship with the club during the summer transfer window.
A back injury kept him on the sidelines for the Reds to start the season following Barcelona's three rejected bids from the Premier League side, although he did manage to suit up for Brazil.
But with his participation on Thursday, the playmaker became cup-tied and will not be able to play for another team in the Champions League this season.
That rules out a fresh offer from the Catalans in January who will now face a difficult challenge during the mid-season market to strengthen their midfield.
Barcelona will instead turn their interest to Nice ace Jean Michael Seri and pick up their pursuit for Coutinho again next summer.
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Seri, who will not be cup-tied, has also proved to be a difficult catch for Barcelona though after his move to Nou Camp suddenly fell through last month despite the two teams agreeing to terms.
