Philippe Coutinho continues to divide opinion as a Barcelona player, with the latest criticisms from the Spanish press perhaps the most stinging yet.
The former Liverpool talisman, who made the £142million move to Catalonia in January 2018, has failed to cement a regular place in the Barca side.
And, as reported earlier on Thursday, his time in La Liga could be up already as Chelsea continue to monitor his situation as they consider potential Eden Hazard replacements.
In the first leg of the Copa Del Rey semi-final on Wednesday night, the Brazil international was hauled off just after the hour mark and the watching members of the media did not hold back.
When Lionel Messi eventually replaced Coutinho, the hosts looked rejuvenated and (with summer signing Malcom looking lively) were able to hold on and secure a 1-1 draw after falling behind to Lucas Vazquez’s early strike.
Spanish publication Sport were particularly scathing in their assessment of the 26-year-old, claiming he continued to lose the ball and make the wrong decisions.
The report added: “Coutinho has been at Barca for a year now and is only getting worse. Worse and worse.
“Unjustifiable for a player that cost 150 million euros. The most expensive signing, in the history of the club. Not even Messi’s support, Valverde’s therapy and Bartomeu’s advice can fix him.
“Nothing is working. There is no excuse. Or forgiveness.
“He must react or find an immediate exit in June. Before he becomes unsellable.”
Although Chelsea appear to be the front-runners in the race to sign the former Liverpool ace, a surprise Premier League giant are also reportedly interested.
Manchester United, sworn enemies of the Kopites, were reportedly interested in January.
However, it seems they were priced out of a January move and will have to wait until summer to test the Balugrauna’s resolve.