Will Philippe Coutinho Leave Barcelona This January Transfer Window?
By
Greg Lea
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3 mins
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Everton Linked With Coutinho
Everton fans may not like the fact that their current manager is a Liverpool legend, but how would they feel about a former LFC midfielder coming into the squad?
He may have been a fan favourite at Anfield, but Coutinho never reached legendary status at Liverpool - as good as he was on the red half of Merseyside - so chances are Everton's fan base may be onboard with any potential move.
Benitez still holds significant pulling power in world football and his reputation might just be enough to persuade Coutinho to return to the city of Liverpool. But there's a catch - Benitez happens to be one of the frontrunners in the sack race betting. Coutinho may be reluctant to commit while Benitez's future remains up in the air.
Newcastle in Coutinho Mix
Newcastle's new-found wealth suddenly puts them in the picture for many top-class players, but they'll need to invest smartly this winter or they'll be playing Championship football next season.
That enormous question mark would put many top-level players off wanting to join the Magpies, which might explain their long price in the betting on Coutinho's next club.
But if you don't ask, you don't get, and all eyes will be glued to Newcastle in January as the scale of their immediate ambition should become apparent with the signings they pursue.
London calling as Arsenal links emerge?
Martin Odegaard has become an important player for Mikel Arteta, but that does not necessarily rule Arsenal out of the race for Coutinho. Coutinho would provide further invention in attacking areas alongside Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe. Moreover, his agent, Kia Joorabchian, has good relations with the Arsenal hierarchy.
A swap deal taking Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the other direction has been mooted. The Gabon international is out of favour at the Emirates and has long wanted to play in La Liga. He would no doubt be interested in a move to Barcelona.
That is perhaps the only way Arsenal would be able to afford a deal for Coutinho. Barcelona are in a mess but they are said to want at least £35m for the 29-year-old.
Wolves and Leicester Mooted Options
Coutinho did not set the world alight at Inter earlier in his career, and his difficulties at Barcelona have been well documented. His Bayern Munich spell was so-so at best, meaning the best time of Coutinho’s career undoubtedly came in English football. It would be no surprise if he favoured a return to the Premier League this winter.
Wolves have been linked with Coutinho too but Brendan Rodgers has managed Coutinho before and would back himself to get the best out of the former Liverpool star at Leicester. Yet his wages could be a problem for the Foxes, who tend to sign younger players with sell-on value and the potential to improve. With James Maddison established as their No.10, Coutinho is not a priority.
London-based Greg Lea is the editor of revered football website The Set Pieces. He is a well-respected football writer having contributed to several leading publications, including The Guardian, ESPN, FourFourTwo, These Football Timesand The Sportsman.
