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Why Philippe Coutinho Is Applying For A Portuguese Passport

Why Philippe Coutinho Is Applying For A Portuguese Passport

Sneaky but clever from Barcelona.

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar

It appears Barcelona's new signing Philippe Coutinho is set to apply for a Portuguese passport.

And there's a pretty good reason behind why.

Coutinho completed a 'dream move' from Anfield to Camp Nou in January, and he's since opened his Barcelona account courtesy of a Luis Suarez assist.

Sound familiar? Suarez also supplied Coutinho's first Liverpool goal.

Coutinho wheels away in celebration. Image: PA
Coutinho wheels away in celebration. Image: PA

While Barcelona have drafted in Coutinho as well as Colombian defender Yerry Mina, the club continue to be the prowl for new talent.

Ernesto Valverde remains keen on Brazilian ace Arthur Melo who's also attracting interest from Premier League duo Chelsea and Manchester United.

But Barcelona have reached their quota of non-EU players in the shape of Coutinho, Paulinho and Mina.

However, if Coutinho obtains a Portuguese passport, it'll free up a spot, paving the way for a transfer of Arthur per Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo.

Mina in action for Barcelona. Image: PA
Mina in action for Barcelona. Image: PA

Barcelona are unable to register Melo or any other player from outside the European Union having already reached the three-player limit.

"Yes, I can get citizenship through my wife," Coutinho said on a potential Portuguese passport.

The Brazil international is eligible for a Portuguese passport through his wife, Anne. The pair have been married for more than three years.

This isn't the first time Barcelona have explored this loophole. Luis Suarez has gained an Italian passport courtesy of his wife Sofia Balbi.

Valverde has reportedly made Arthur his number one transfer target in the summer, and are confident in landing the talented midfielder for a believed £26 million.

Arthur to Barcelona? Watch this space.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Football News, Coutinho, Football, Barcelona