Barcelona got ‘substantial reduction’ on Philippe Coutinho, says Jordi Mestre

Barcelona vice-president Jordi Mestre claims the club were able to sign Philippe Coutinho this winter because Liverpool lowered their asking price.

Mestre stopped short of saying how much Barcelona actually shelled out for the Brazilian but it’s been reported the fee is €160 million in total with €120m up front.

Sporting director Albert Soler said back in September that Liverpool had asked for €200m for Coutinho, which they were unwilling to pay, but the Reds denied those claims.

Speaking at Coutinho’s unveiling on Monday, Mestre said that Liverpool had lowered their price, but said he could not say exactly how much they have paid.

“The interest of the club has always been to take Coutinho to Barcelona,” he said.

“The difference is that there has been a substantial reduction in the cost of this transfer.

”There has been a very important reduction, even though we cannot publicly give the figures.

“We are not going to discuss the numbers. The important thing is we have the player here. If I reveal numbers I will be breaking our agreement with Liverpool.”

Source | ESPN

Mestre also appeared to back up reports that Coutinho had also contributed to the transfer fee, saying: ““Philippe, welcome. We know that you have made a personal and economic effort.”

Reports had claimed Coutinho had paid €15m to help seal the deal, as he was so desperate to secure his move to Camp Nou.

Source: Gill Clark http://ift.tt/2meqXlk