Could Philippe Coutinho return to the Premier League this summer?

Barcelona are reportedly keen to sell Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho this summer. The Brazilian has only been in the Catalonia capital for 18 months after a transfer from Liverpool in the January transfer window of 2018 costing an initial fee of £142million.

The 26-year-old has struggled to convince at the Catalan giants and his lack of success has led to speculation over his future.

Failed at Barcelona

Coutinho talked about the move to Barcelona as a dream one. However, it has turned slightly sour of late. He has made 33 appearances since his arrival, scoring just five times, not a fantastic record for a player of his ability.

The playmaker has come in for some fierce criticism from the club’s fans and those associated with the Catalan giants. One critic rather harshly described the Brazilian as ‘Invisible’ on the pitch at times. His performance against his former club in the recent 4-0 semi-final Champions League at Anfield drew particular criticism.

Coutinho should have been the sort of player that complements the likes of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. However, instead, he has spent 18 months of frustration at the Nou Camp, struggling to be on the same wavelength of his teammates.

One factor in his perceived failure with Barcelona has been the fact he has played out of position for much of his time at the club.

Linked with a return to the Premier League

The Premier League is where Coutinho finally fulfilled his potential with Liverpool. On his day with the Reds, he was one of the best players in the English top-flight. His problem until his last few seasons on Merseyside was inconsistency.

However, as the Brazilian international found much-needed consistency that earned him his big move to Catalonia. His technical, ability, poise and vision that was on display at Liverpool has very rarely shone through at Barcelona.

His successful time in the Premier League has reportedly led to the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and even former club Liverpool being linked with a summer move for the playmaker.

United could be set for a major squad overhaul, while Chelsea could need a replacement for Eden Hazard if he leaves and their two-window transfer ban is overturned. Meanwhile, Coutinho’s links to a return to Liverpool was always likely considering his previous success on Merseyside.

In reality, only Premier League clubs would have the finances to meet the playmaker’s contract demands. The only other club that can realistically compete with the English clubs in finances is big-spending French PSG, who are odds of 10/1 to sign Coutinho. Only Manchester United are shorter odds to sign the Brazilian this summer.

Barcelona open to selling Coutinho this summer

If you believe the noises coming out of Spain, Barcelona are open to selling Philippe Coutinho this summer, possibly for a big loss.

The reigning Spanish champions are in need of transfer funds, with both Matthijs de Ligt and Antoine Griezmann reportedly on their summer shopping list, they need to offload some big-name players. The Brazilian international is one of the Blaugrana’s biggest assets and seemingly expendable at this point.

Coutinho has not become a bad player overnight. In fact, the playmaker is still a very good player. However, the 26-year-old needs to be utilised in the right way and the conditions need to be right for him to shine.

Maybe the conditions in the Premier League are right for Coutinho to return and once again shine. His time in La Liga has been short, but there is no shame in not making at Barcelona. It seems doubtful he will be plying his trade in Catalonia for much longer, though.

Will Philippe Coutinho return to the Premier League this summer?