Report: €30 million-rated Barcelona midfielder on AC Milan radar

Turkey international Hakan Calhanoglu completed a controversial free transfer to arch-rivals Inter Milan after his contract with AC Milan expired. The deal was made official four days ago, and the reds of Milan are back in the market for a replacement.

The attacking midfielder was a crucial cog in Milan’s dream run in the 2020-21 season that saw them qualify for the champions league. In 30 starts for the club, he scored four goals and assisted a further nine. The Turkish international ran the midfield show for his side and steered them to a top-four finish in Serie A.

Having lost one of their biggest assets in midfield, Milan are in desperate need of a replacement. According to Calciomercato, Stefano Pioli’s side is exploring the possibility of bringing Phillipe Coutinho on loan to Italy.

The Brazilian is no stranger to Serie A. Coutinho’s senior debut was with Inter Milan, where he played for five seasons between 2008 and 2013. Surely, a return to the other side of Milan would appease the midfielder.

Since his arrival at Barcelona, Phillipe Coutinho never made his ground. An Injury menaced his first season in Spain, while his second season was no easy either. With Pedri growing into the monstrous player he has, it seems impossible for the Brazilian to win his starting spot back at Barcelona. Moreover, Ronald Koeman does not seem to have him in his plans, either, but his continuity is not ruled out either.

Barcelona is actively looking to ship out players and lighten the wage bill. Coutinho is as high on the list as one can get. With his future at Barcelona projecting only darkness, a move to AC Milan could be the best for all three parties involved.