Barcelona Reportedly Seeking EU Passport for Philippe Coutinho

Barcelona are reportedly trying to obtain a Portuguese passport for Philippe Coutinho, which would open up one of their three slots for players from outside the European Union. 

The Brazil international is eligible for a Portuguese passport through his wife, according to Sam Marsden of ESPN FC. 

Barcelona's other non-EU spots are occupied by Colombia's Yerry Mina and Brazil's Arthur Melo, a new signing. As of right now, they could not add someone such as Chelsea's Willian to the squad without moving one of those three players on.

Mina was previously seen as the most likely to be moved, and Marsden reported he could still leave following the arrival of Sevilla's Clement Lenglet.

The Colombian has not been a major success at the club so far, but he did enjoy a fantastic 2018 FIFA World Cup, boosting his transfer value along the way. Everton are said to be interested:

Barcelona wouldn't have to move the 23-year-old if Coutinho obtained a Portuguese passport, however, giving Mina another chance to make his mark at the Camp Nou.

Barcelona's most likely deal for a non-EU player would be Willian, who has been linked with the Blaugrana since Brazil were eliminated from the World Cup. The Chelsea man has rumoured to have been at odds with his current club since last year, with reports emerging saying he wanted to force a move in November, per UOL (h/t Metro).

The forward has been with the Blues since 2013 and has been among their most consistent players in the last few seasons. His trickery and set-piece brilliance have all been major assets, although fans have sometimes been left wanting a little more from the 29-year-old.

Barcelona fans don't seem all that happy with the links:

Paulinho's return to China also freed up another non-EU slot, which the club used on Arthur. The Blaugrana agreed the move with Gremio as early as March but didn't officially introduce the player until earlier this month, after his compatriot completed his move back to Guangzhou Evergrande.