Top 5 midfield targets for Barcelona

5. Philippe Coutinho

There is no doubt as to whether Philippe Coutinho can ably replace Andrés Iniesta in the first-team. He is a player of supreme skill, and unquestionable talent, with all the traits of a future star. But two factors make him an inferior option : finance and adaptability.

At Liverpool, he has never played in the midfield. Jordan Henderson and Emre Can played in the middle of the park, pushing him into a more central, attacking role behind the striker. Otherwise, he has played at left forward, cutting inside.

Barcelona require an out-and-out midfielder. Although Coutinho has the skill-set to fit this profile, he will need time to adapt. And that is not something Barcelona can afford. Iniesta has already begun deteriorating and he would need a direct replacement next summer.

Also, the financial factor is huge. Barcelona would need to pay upwards of €100 million to sign Coutinho and there will be a huge hassle. The club would do better to avoid such complications and opt for a safer option.