If reports in the media are anything to go by then Liverpool are linked with former Red Philippe Coutinho.
Last month, Le10Sport claimed that as per their own information, Barcelona are open to selling Coutinho, several PL clubs are interested in the Brazilian international and Liverpool are one of them.
News – Report – Club ready to offer £85million attacker to Liverpool
Recently, the report from France has been in the lime light in the British media and it has been covered by renowned outlets like The Independent and Mirror Sport, who claim that the European champions are open to re-signing the Brazilian international, who had a torrid last campaign with Barcelona.
What happened:
The Samba star was not so renowned when Liverpool opted to sign him for just £8.5million from Italian side Inter Milan (BBC).
At Anfield, he became a superstar. Under the guidance of Jurgen Klopp, he was one of the most important players at the club. The former Borussia Dortmund boss even opted to hand him the captain’s armband for a few games in December 2017. However, next month, he was off to Barcelona.
In the first half of the 2017-18 campaign, Coutinho was arguably our best player. He took part in 20 fixtures, scored 12 goals and also provided 8 assists (Transfermarkt).
In January 2018, he moved to the Catalan giants in a mammoth deal worth £146million and claimed (Sky Sports):
“I am very happy, it is a dream come true and I hope to meet all expectations in the field.”
Current status:
Last season, the former Nerazzurri attacker made 34 league appearances for the Spanish giants but only managed to find the net 5 times.
Due to inconsistent displays at the Nou Camp, the Barca fans even booed him and at times, Ernesto Valverde opted to keep him on the bench (started 38 games out of 54 in all competitions).
Speaking about his bad season with the Catalan giants, the Brazilian claimed (Marca):
“I have not had a good season. My performances have been a lot worse than I expected they would.”
Back in May, Marca reported that the Spanish champions want to get rid of the Brazilian and are looking to get 100 million euros (£90million) from his sale.
Liverpool’s attack:
Liverpool have not yet replaced Coutinho at Anfield. Fekir was linked last year but he eventually stayed with Lyon.
The Reds opted to strengthen things at the back, lured Van Dijk, Alisson and Fabinho, who were brilliant for us in the last campaign and helped us win the Champions League.
As far as the attack is concerned, Klopp has got top quality stars like Mane, Salah and Firmino around. However, the back-up options are not as good. We have Shaqiri, signed from a relegated Stoke City side, to cover for Salah on the right wing. Origi, who did great but mainly warmed the bench last season, is there to cover for Firmino and there is no natural left winger to cover for Mane.
Klopp utilized Coutinho in multiple midfield and attacking positions and the playmaker did well with our front three when he was at the club. In your view, should the German manager bring the Brazilian back?
Former players’ view:
Speaking to Liverpool Echo last month, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher said:
“I wouldn’t say I would be actively going to get him, but if there was a possibility of bringing Coutinho back for decent money, and Barca wanted to cut their losses a little bit because it hasn’t worked out, then I’d do that,”
“We lack that player in the squad. We have it in Lallana and Shaqiri, but this is a different level of player.’
More recently, Steve Nicol praised the 27-year-old and told ESPN (via The Daily Express):
“Somebody like a Coutinho I think would be ideal for Liverpool.”
“I don’t believe he’s worth what Barcelona paid for him. I certainly believe he’s worth upwards of £90m”
“He’s the go-to guy for creation and for goals. So, when you buy Coutinho yes you’re buying a guy who’s been criticised at Barcelona recently, but you’re buying quality.”
