Barcelona confident on Willian's arrival says it will not give them non-EU headache

Barcelona are confident Willian’s arrival will not give them a non-EU players headache because Philippe Coutinho is applying for EU citizenship and should have his new passport before the season starts.

Barca are allowed three non-EU players. Last season Paulinho, Coutinho and Yerry Mina occupied those positions.

This season with the acquisition of the Brazilian Arthur Melo and the potential arrival of Willian they could have had five players for three berths.
But Paulinho’s return to China and Coutinho’s imminent change of status solves the problem.

Coutinho can obtain a Portuguese EU passport through his wife and the club are hopeful the paperwork will be complete before the season starts on August 18.

Colombian defender Mina could yet still leave, freeing up another non-EU position.