According to a recent report by Spanish news source Sport, Premier League sides Everton and Leicester City are both said to be among the sides interested in acquiring the services of former Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho. It has been suggested that the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham are all also keen on the Brazilian’s signature, but that the Foxes and the Toffees have also recently entered the equation.
The report suggests that the player’s first reaction to being told that Bayern Munich wouldn’t be signing him permanently was to phone up Liverpool to understand whether the possibility of a return to Anfield was on the cards. Upon receiving a negative response, Kia Joorabchian – the player’s agent, has now begun searching elsewhere.
How Well Did Everton Do In The Season Gone By?
The Toffees’ league season has been a mixed back, but the appointment of former Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti at the helm improved things considerably. Although the Italian still depended on the likes of Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin for goals upfront, there was a certain degree of panache to their attacking play in the second part of the Premier League season. The injury to Andre Gomes didn’t help their cause, while the sheer lack of pace on the flanks is another concern that requires addressing.
What Would Philippe Coutinho Add To This Everton Side?
The former Liverpool man is undoubtedly one of the most versatile attackers in the European game at the moment, as can be seen from the variety of positions that he’s played over the last many years. Although the Brazilian’s preferred spot is obviously just in behind the main striker, he is just as effective when played in midfield or even on the flanks. Coutinho feeds off winning second balls, and his dribbling and passing attributes are right up there with the best.
Formerly of Barcelona, the Brazilian returned to his boyhood club a couple of years ago, and it’s safe to say that things haven’t gone entirely to plan at Camp Nou. Despite having spent the current season on loan at Bayern Munich, the Bavarians are said to be unwilling even to extend, let alone sign him permanently. For all the baggage he would carry with him, it must be conceded that signing a player of Coutinho’s quality could take this Everton side to the next level.
Should Everton Go For Coutinho This Summer?
The Brazilian international’s overall quality on the ball needn’t be questioned, as can be seen from his days at Liverpool. With a move back to Anfield off the cards, his next best option would probably be to move to the other side of Merseyside.
Everton and Barcelona share an excellent relationship, having already negotiated the transfers of Yerry Mina, Lucas Digne and Andre Gomes. Whether or not the Toffees can shell out this much money could decide the path this transfer takes, but it’s worth saying that Coutinho would probably be a snug fit at an aspiring club like Everton.
