Barcelona: Coutinho possibly heading back to the Premier League
By Akash Roy
Philippe Coutinho of FC Barcelona might be pondering over a move back to the Premier League this summer. His new home could be in England’s Leicester City.
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The 28-year-old playmaker has lost his touch since making that anticipated move from Liverpool to Barcelona back in 2018. Something or the other has not worked out for the Brazilian at Camp Nou. Logically there is no point in holding on to him when it’s not benefitting both parties. A mutual separation now only looks like a proper constructive solution.
Barcelona needs to get rid of their deadweight within this transfer window. With numerous signings from the free agency, this season looks like a big step in a transition. Of course, there is no way for the Barcelonistes to get much of a return against the astronomical figure they spent on Coutinho, but something is always better than nothing.
Coutinho was speculated heavily to join the London-based duo of Arsenal and Tottenham along with the East Midlands side Leicester last summer after returning from his loan spell with Bayern. But those moves did not materialize. After a year, the Foxes only remain interested as potential suitors to acquire his services.
Why does Leicester City want Barcelona’s Coutinho?
A problem that Leicester faced this season was the lack of squad depth. Amidst the last season, several injured first-team players had to miss many of their games which hindered success for the King Power club. Even after enjoying 242 days in the top four positions for securing a Champions League spot, they slipped up on the final day of the season.
Their manager Brendan Rodgers now aims to crack the ceiling of finishing within the top four next season. It is why the Northern Irishman needs the services of a veteran like Coutinho. Rodgers was the man who signed Coutinho to Liverpool, where he attained global fame and recognition. A man like Rodgers, who has rejuvenated the careers and brought out the best in them, can help Coutinho with his lost form.
Rogers has done wonders for the Foxes. He hopes to continue that growth. A playmaker like Coutinho can be vital with City’s two strikers in the 3-4-1-2 system. So far, City players like James Maddison or Ayoze Perez have not yet established themselves with consistent performance that is crucial for their progression.
It’s being reported via Marca that Barca could sell him in the summer transfer window for a cut-price fee of € 20m, which is a fair price for Leicester’s consideration. It will be interesting to see Coutinho join their midfield alongside Maddison, Tielemans, and Ndidi.
Would you like to see Coutinho return back to the Premier League?