In one of the shocking news amidst the ongoing interlull is that Barcelona are reportedly willing to trade their Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic for Liverpool’s star forward Phillippe Coutinho coming summer. The Brazilian winger started the season in a fierce form but after a midterm injury has somewhat suppressed his thunder. Coutinho has scored six goals and five assists so far, this season in the Premier League, and of late hasn’t been very effective from the left wing.
The Catalans have been long-term admirers of the 25-year-old, and have been keeping tabs on the player since his Inter Milan days. And like most other players in the world, Coutinho has always dreamt of playing for the Blaugrana. His agent had also revealed that a deal between the two was almost done before the La Liga giants backed out owing to Coutinho’s huge price tag.
With this La Liga season coming to a disappointing end, the Catalans will seemingly up their offer now. And given that Coutinho has signed a new deal with the Reds only this season, Barcelona knows well they cannot lure him that easily.
Rakitic, however, could be an interesting option for Liverpool if this deal does happen. The Croatian, though doesn’t ply his trade like Coutinho’s exciting cut-ins and long shots, can be a brilliant playmaker for them from the middle. Although he has had a poor season this campaign, his talent is highly applaudable.
The 28-year-old has come under huge criticism this season for his displays, but manager Luis Enrique’s setup hasn’t been very successful in bringing out the best from many Barcelona players.
In the three seasons that he has been with Barcelona, he has scored 23 goals and 18 assists. An academy product of FC Basel, Rakitic came up through the ranks of the Swiss club before German side Schalke picked him in 2007. Four brilliant seasons, 16 goals and 30 assists later, La Liga club Sevilla brought him in 2011. He took no time adapting there and had his most successful spell, scoring 32 goals and 41 assists.
The deal could be logical for Liverpool if Coutinho wants to leave Anfield at the end of the season. Liverpool are sitting in the 4th position currently with two games more played than Manchester United and Arsenal, which means a Champions League position is still not guaranteed for them. And failing that might trigger the Brazilian’s move at the end of the season.
With Coutinho’s money, Jurgen Klopp can easily go for Christian Pulisic or Julian Brandt, whom he has long admired. Rakitic could be a brilliant option through the middle, something that Liverpool lack and the Croatian can bring a different dimension to Liverpool’s attacks.
