Neymar Sparks Rumors Again—Is Coutinho Right for Barca?

BELO HORIZONTE, BRAZIL - NOVEMBER 10: Philippe Coutinho of Brazil celebrates with teammate Neymar Jr after scoring the opening goal during a match between Argentina and Brazil as part of FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifiers at Mineirao Stadium on November 10, 2016 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. (Photo by Ricardo Botelho/LatinContent/Getty Images)
BELO HORIZONTE, BRAZIL - NOVEMBER 10: Philippe Coutinho of Brazil celebrates with teammate Neymar Jr after scoring the opening goal during a match between Argentina and Brazil as part of FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifiers at Mineirao Stadium on November 10, 2016 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. (Photo by Ricardo Botelho/LatinContent/Getty Images)
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Verdict

In any event, this is more of Neymar talking up a friend than Barcelona showing interest. Coutinho should and likely will remain a Liverpool player, especially with Iniesta showing few signs of slowing down. At least in the near future, anyway.

However, Barcelona poached Luis Suarez when he was 27, coming off his best ever club season. Perhaps if they wait on Coutinho for a year or two more, he will develop the qualities necessary to take that step to Barcelona. They can put him right into the team, given Iniesta’s rising age.

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If they are to act in the summer though, expect a move for PSG’s Marco Verratti or a player more of that like. While he is very talented, Coutinho is not yet ready for a Barcelona shirt.