Philippe Coutinho to Liverpool: The 3rd costliest player in the world could leave Barcelona and make a return to Anfield in the ongoing transfer season.
Philippe Coutinho joined Liverpool in January 2013. He flourished at the Merseyside scoring 54 times in 201 games in his six seasons at the Anfield. His performances earned him the nickname “The Magician” from Liverpool fans and teammates. However, the manner in which the Brazilian forced through a move to Barcelona in 2018 lost him a lot of supporters.
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The £142 million move to Catalonia made him the third most expensive player ever in the world. His performances in Spain though, were hardly worth the mammoth price tag. With 11 goals and three assists in 53 games for Barca last season, it is safe to say that the former Liverpool playmaker has been a huge flop.
Coutinho wants to leave; Barca don’t mind
There have been reports that Barcelona are looking to cut their losses and sell the player at the ongoing transfer season. Many top clubs including PSG and Man Utd are reportedly eager to employ his services.
Coutinho recently admitted that he wasn’t sure if he’d stay at Barcelona next season. The 27-year-old said:
“I don’t know if I will continue at Barcelona. Nobody knows about the future, and right now I am focused on playing with my [national] team [at the Copa America].”
Back to Liverpool?
Coutinho has however said that he would not play for United out of respect for Liverpool and their rivalry with the reds from Manchester. And if reports from French news outlet Le10 Sport is to be believed, Coutinho could turn out for Jurgen Klopp’s side at this year’s derby against United once again.
They have reported that Klopp is looking to bring Philippe Coutinho back to Liverpool; Barcelona are not opposed to the move as long as they’re compensated accordingly. The Brazilian playmaker thrived under Klopp and another spell under the German could revitalise his career.
Since his departure though, Liverpool have metamorphosed into a team of equals rather than one dependent on a star. It will be interesting to see where Coutinho fits, if they do go ahead with the move. Another thing to note will be the crowd reaction to him. Perhaps they’ll be willing to give him a second chance if he puts up performances like the ones that earned him the nickname “The Magician”.
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