Monday, January 10, 2022 at 11:40 PM• Rian Rosendaal • Last update: 02:32

Barcelona are eyeing an alternative for Philippe Coutinho, who recently made the move to Aston Villa on a rental basis. According to Brazilian journalist Marcelo Bechler, who works for, among others, TNT Sports BrazilOscar is a serious option for trainer Xavi. The now thirty-year-old attacking midfielder has been associated with the Chinese Shanghai SIPG since 2017, where his contract runs until the summer of 2024.

Barcelona’s technical leadership is said to be impressed with the experience, technical qualities and attacking impulses Oscar could bring to Xavi’s side. The Catalans have already been in contact with the management of the Brazilian veteran at the beginning of 2022 to discuss a possible switch. The big problem is the dire financial situation of Barcelona and the fact that Oscar will be detained in China for a few more years. A lease may be negotiable for the board in Shanghai.

A informação: Barça procurou Oscar para o lugar de Philippe Coutinho. Brasileiro, com chegada à área, boa idade (30 anos) e com experiência. No entanto, situação economica do clube só permite uma operação praticamente sem custos. Contrato com os chineses vai até 2024. https://t.co/o6uIgzEoJa

— Marcelo Bechler (@marcelobechler) January 10, 2022

Oscar is no stranger to Europe, as the Brazilian wore the Chelsea shirt between 2012 and 2017. So almost five years ago, he opted for a lucrative adventure in the Chinese League. His current employer deposited approximately sixty million euros for Oscar, who is preparing for a new season in China. However, Barcelona hopes that the attacking midfielder will take over from Coutinho who left for England.

Due to financial setbacks earlier this Monday, Barcelona made a remarkable proposal to Samuel Umtiti. The French defender extended his contract at the Camp Nou until mid-2026, on the condition that he spread the salary he would receive over the next year and a half over his new contract term: Umtiti therefore earns nothing extra with his extension, but did achieve a agreement with Barcelona. With this gesture, millions of signing Ferran Torres can finally be signed up for LaLiga.