According to a recent report by RMC Sport (translated by the Daily Mirror), Barcelona will have to give up Philippe Coutinho if they want to bring Neymar Jr. back to the Nou Camp during this summer transfer period. The same source has claimed that PSG is willing to cash in on Neymar if the right offer comes in for the Brazilian striker and are demanding Coutinho in return from the Catalans in this off-season.
Neymar Vs Coutinho: Who Is The Better Player?
Neymar has been in prolific goal-scoring form since making a high-profile switch to the French capital in the summer of 2017. The South American superstar has featured in a total of 58 matches for the Ligue 1 champions thus far, finding the back of the net 51 times while providing 29 assists across all competitions. He has also represented Brazil in 97 international fixtures while scoring 60 goals for them in the process.
In contrast, Coutinho has scored 21 goals and created 11 assists in 76 matches for Barca so far. Even though the ex-Liverpool playmaker has registered fewer goals and assists than Neymar, it is worth considering that he is an attacking midfielder who is being used as a left-sided wide player by the Catalans.
Even then, Neymar has far more attacking potential than Coutinho so there is no doubt that Barca would be getting the better player in the deal. The fact remains that PSG has a disgruntled player on their hands and will do well to get Coutinho in exchange for his services this summer.
Neymar is an accomplished finisher in the final third as evidenced by his stellar numbers from the last campaign. On the other hand, Coutinho can score goals from long-range and has the vision to open up a rigid defence with a perfectly weighted through pass.
A Neymar-Coutinho Swap Deal: Good Move For All Parties?
Therefore, it is a move that will benefit all parties as both players will fancy a change of scenery before the start of the new season. The French heavyweights will be able to move on and build a team around Coutinho with the influx of cash they receive for Neymar.
The acquisition of Neymar will undoubtedly add a lot of goals to Ernesto Valverde’s frontline. The prospect of the Brazil international linking up with Antoine Griezmann and Lionel Messi will be a mouth-watering one for anyone associated with the Spanish champions.
