Coutinho to Return to Premier League?
Big moves do not always work out as players and clubs expected and one such example is Phillipe Coutinho.
Having impressed greatly at Liverpool, Coutinho was eager to make a move to one Europe’s biggest clubs and when Barcelona come calling, it is hard to resist. The Brazilian was a big favourite during his time at Anfield and scored some fantastic goals.
He became the all-time leading Brazilian goal scorer in Premier League history when he netted against Stoke City in 2016/17. Coutinho signed a new deal with Liverpool that season but following a rejected bid from Barcelona in August 2017, he submitted a transfer request.
Liverpool rejected bids from Barcelona in the summer but could not resist in the winter transfer window and Coutinho made the dream move to the Camp Nou for a reported initial fee of £105 million, which could rise to £142 million in the future.
Things Did Not Work Out
However, the dream has become somewhat of a nightmare in Spain for Coutinho. Due to a lack of form and game time, the Brazilian international has failed to emerge as a key player for Barcelona and is not regarded as a first team regular.
Coutinho has failed to play 90 minutes in La Liga since the end of January, either starting as a substitute or being substituted himself. In fact, the creative midfielder has only played 90 minutes seven times in the league this season and twice in the Champions League.
He was jeered by fans during Barcelona’s win over Rayo Vallecano on the weekend and this, coupled with a drop in form had led to rumours of a potential move back to the Premier League.
There would surely be no shortage of takers for the services of a player who was fantastic during his spell in the Premier League for Liverpool but the main contender for Coutinho’s signature may come as shock.
Manchester United
Manchester United lead the way in the betting at 5/2 with BetVictor to be the club which ends the Brazilian’s time in La Liga.
The Red Devils have plenty of talent already in their squad with the likes of Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial but with injuries proving a problem this season and the poor form of Alexis Sanchez a real concern, the club may feel they can do with an injection of talent in forward areas.
It has been reported Coutinho could be available for less than £90 million, which would see Barcelona make a loss on the player. However, he is by no means getting towards the end of his career and Coutinho will be just 27 years old by the time the 2018/19 campaign kicks-off.
Liverpool fans will no doubt come to despise Coutinho should he move to Old Trafford but with Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus next in the betting at 12/1 with BetVictor, it appears the Red Devils are favourite to land the player.