It seems that Philippe Coutinho could be one of the big names on the move before the European transfer window shuts in a few weeks’ time. There has been constant speculation over the Brazilian future at Barcelona.
Sky Sports are reporting that Coutinho is interesting German giants Bayern Munich. However, Sky Sports also claim that the Brazilian is still likely to be a part of Barcelona’s bid to resign Coutinho’s compatriot and friend Neymar from PSG.
PSG a more likely destination than Germany
It seems that big-spending PSG are a more likely destination than Bayern. The Bavarian giants are reportedly only interested in signing Coutinho on loan and that is if he does not leave Catalonia in part-exchange for Neymar. Media reports suggest that Coutinho is not too fussed on a move to the German giants.
It is still unclear if Coutinho even wants to leave Barcelona there has been talk that he is reluctant to leave the Catalan club. That could problematic, as it seems the reigning Spanish champions are trying to get rid of the 27-year-old this summer.
It appears he could be a vital pawn in the club’s pursuit of Neymar. If Coutinho refuses to leave, then it seems like Barcelona will not be able to do a deal to sign the wantaway Brazilian forward, as they could not afford a straight cash transfer.
Where is Coutinho’s best position?
As we all know Coutinho has not endured the most successful career at Barcelona since his big-money switch from Liverpool in the January transfer window of 2018. The Brazilian has not been awful, but he has also not produced the sort of form that made him a star on Merseyside either.
At 27 years of age, he is still a good age and in the prime of his career. A move to PSG could well revive what has become a flagging career at Barcelona. No doubt he is still a talented player, talent just doesn’t disappear.
However, for a team to get the best out of the Brazilian, he has to be deployed in the right way. The problem is that everybody is still attempting to figure out the position that gets the best out of Coutinho.
Some say that the former Inter attacking midfielder can play in many positions. He can do a job in many positions, but he seemed to thrive at Liverpool when deployed as a number ten behind the striker.
This role was not really available at Barcelona, as they do not play with a number ten as such. Lionel Messi is free to roam, but that is because he is Messi, one of the games greatest ever players. The French champions tend to play with three forward players too. However, if Neymar were to re-join Barcelona, then PSG boss Thomas Tuchel may consider a shift in tactics.
PSG the favourites to sign Coutinho
The bookmakers seem to believe that the Brazilians future lies in Paris. PSG are now odds of 4/7 to be Coutinho’s next club. These odds are of course based on the idea that the Parisians actually want Coutinho.
It is certainly not a certainty that Barcelona and PSG will come to an amicable agreement that suits everybody. There is major bad blood between the two clubs, so negotiations were never going to be easy.
For Coutinho, a switch to PSG may not be the worse move in the world. He is virtually guaranteed a Ligue One title-winning medal every season and also to be part of a team that always makes it to the latter stages of the Champions League.
It is unclear if Coutinho is heading for Paris anytime soon. However, one thing is for sure, he is now out-of-favour at Barcelona and is now surplus to requirements.
Where does Philippe Coutinho’s future lie?
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
