According to a recent report by Mundo Deportivo (via Sports Witness), Chelsea are hoping to bring Barcelona playmaker Phillipe Coutinho to Stamford Bridge during the summer transfer window if their transfer ban gets overturned by the Court Of Arbitration. The same source has claimed that the Pensioners are one of the sides interested in the Brazilian talent who is trying to orchestrate a move away from the Nou Camp in this offseason.
Coutinho’s Recent Struggles At The Nou Camp
Since joining the Catalans from Liverpool at the beginning of 2018, Coutinho has struggled to hit the heights from his time at Merseyside. The South American talent has failed to live up to the high expectations surrounding his arrival in the La Liga.
To his credit, the Barca midfielder has still managed to score 11 goals and grab five assists in 54 appearances across all competitions in the recently concluded Spanish top-flight season. The ex-Vasco da Gama sensation has also secured 47 international caps for Brazil and has 13 goals to his name for his nation.
His attacking contributions have helped Ernesto Valverde’s side win the league title, but it was not enough in the UEFA Champions League where they were knocked out by Coutinho’s old club, Liverpool in dramatic fashion earlier this month.
What Will The South American Facilitator Bring To West London?
A return to English football could help Coutinho reignite his career as he has proven in the past that he can be one of the best playmakers in Premier League football. The Brazilian has decent pace and is full of tricks when he is dribbling with the ball from midfield. What makes Coutinho such an exceptional talent is his ability to open up the meanest of defences with a killer pass in the final third.
Coutinho’s Addition: Good Move For The Pensioners?
However, his form for Barca has been underwhelming thus far. Hence, Coutinho’s acquisition might prove to be a massive gamble for Chelsea as they attempt to cope with the impending two-transfer window by FIFA. There is no doubt that he will bring a lot of quality to Stamford Bridge.
However, with Eden Hazard likely to leave the West London club this summer, the signing of Coutinho might not be enough for Chelsea to compete for major trophies next season.
