Is Philippe Coutinho on his way back to the Premier League?

On a late April afternoon back in 2013, a struggling Newcastle team were beaten 6-0 at St James’ Park by Liverpool under the management of Brendan Rodgers. It was an outstanding performance by the Reds that day but one player was particularly impressive with his direct running style of play and clever passing. 

The Magpies just could not cope with midfielder Philippe Coutinho who had been signed from Inter Milan for about €10m during the January transfer window. For the next four seasons, the Brazilian became an integral member of the Liverpool first-team squad, but is he on his way back to the Premier League?

 

Leaving Liverpool

A regular contributor of goals during his stay on Merseyside, Coutinho netted thirteen times during the 2016-17 Premier League season and attracted the attention of Barcelona. The Spanish club duly signed the Brazilian for 100€ in January 2018. Born in Rio de Janeiro, the midfielder was idolised by the Kop and was expected to be an important cog in the Barcelona first team.

Yet for whatever reason, Coutinho has never really fulfilled his undoubted potential since leaving England. He started only 22 La Liga games during the 2018-19 season and was substituted on 14 occasions.

A season-long loan move to Bayern Munich was then completed during August 2019 but without becoming a key member of the German team’s starting eleven.

As football fans await the return of regular action following the COVID-19 pandemic, the immediate future of Coutinho is now uncertain. During late 2019, the former Liverpool player expressed his desire for a prolonged stay at the Bavarian club.

Yet despite netting a hat-trick against Werder Bremen and a brace in the 6-0 hammering of Hoffenheim, Bayern have declared an unwillingness to negotiate a permanent move for the Brazilian.

📰 — Even though Setién stated that he wants Coutinho in his team, Barcelona is prioritizing a transfer for him. [l'esporiu] pic.twitter.com/9wb87Qomkz

— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) April 17, 2020

 

What is next for Coutinho?

A return to the Premier League has been mooted. Tottenham have emerged as the more favoured English club to complete his signature during the next transfer window at odds of  4/1, with Liverpool quoted at 5/1 to re-employ the former fan’s favourite. If Harry Kane leaves Spurs, they will certainly have the funds for a big money signing such as Coutinho.

Although Barcelona have claimed Coutinho remains an important part of their first-team squad with a price of 2/1 offered for him to stay at the club, any potential buyer will be gambling on the 27-year-old reproducing the form of his Liverpool days. There is the additional issue of a possible loss of confidence developed during the past two seasons.

A swap deal for one of several leading Premier League midfield players has emerged as a potential outcome, while a potential stumbling block on a direct sale will be Barcelona’s hope of recouping much of that expensive transfer fee. Will the likes of Chelsea, Spurs, Liverpool and the two Manchester clubs be able to afford or take a risk on a player who could now be a fading talent?

It is more than likely that the future of the Brazilian midfielder will be a subject of much discussion during the months ahead amid the usual speculation and rumours, and a return to English football via a loan, swap or purchase deal remains a possibility.

 

Coutinho Next Club Odds

Where will Coutinho end up next? Paddy Power have priced up the market for Coutinho’s next club and you can bet on this with their £20 risk free sign-up bonus you get when joining an account. This means you can bet on any football bet and if you lose, you get £20 in cash added to your account.

CLAIM – £20 risk free bet when you join Paddy Power.

 

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