Bayern Munich to allow Coutinho to return to Barcelona after loan transfer and will not exercise purchase option

BAYERN MUNICH will not take up the option to permanently sign Philippe Coutinho allowing him to return to parent club Barcelona after his loan move.

German publication Bild report that Coutinho's stay in Bavaria will not be extended after failing to sufficiently impress the German champions' hierarchy with his performances.

The Brazilian playmaker left Liverpool to join Barcelona for £142million in January 2018 but things did not go to plan after his dream move.

Bundesliga champions Bayern signed Coutinho on a season-long loan last summer after he fell down the pecking order at the Nou Camp.

However, the German side are unlikely to splash the £102million required to make the move permanent despite the Brazilian showing glimpses of his old self.

Coutinho has scored seven goals and notched seven assists in 23 games in all competitions this season, showing some signs of the form that led to Barcelona making him their all-time record signing.

But Bayern have struggled in the Bundesliga this term and have a real challenge on their hands if they are to win their eighth consecutive league title.

Former manager Niko Kovac lost his job in November after a 5-1 thrashing by Frankfurt left the Bavarians down in fourth place in the table.

Coutinho previously said he would like to extend his spell in Germany and a permanent deal was backed by a number of his Bayern team-mates in December.

However, it is understood he will need an outstanding second half of the season to secure a long-term future at the Allianz Arena.

Caretaker boss Hansi Flick has overseen an upturn in form but Bayern are still four points behind leaders RB Leipzig in second place.

Coutinho could relish a return to Catalonia as he will have a chance to impress new Barcelona manager Quique Setien next season after failing to cement a spot under predecessor Ernesto Valverde.

Valverde became the first Barcelona manager to be sacked in 17 years earlier this month and a new man at the helm could be the perfect way for Coutinho to get his career back on track at the Nou Camp.