In a recent report, AS has mentioned that Liverpool have been offered a chance to bring Barcelona playmaker Philippe Coutinho back to Anfield this summer. It is understood that the Catalans still owe €50m to the Merseyside outfit for the Brazilian attacker’s transfer back in 2018 but would rather not pay the money and are instead pushing for the Reds to re-sign him in this off-season (via AS).
Coutinho’s Injury-Ravaged Season In Spanish Football
Coutinho has endured an injured plagued season at the Nou Camp as he has missed a lot of games due to multiple injuries. The Brazilian playmaker has only made 14 appearances for Barca this term, netting three goals and providing two assists in multiple competitions.
The 28-year-old showed some signs of his brilliance by averaging 2.4 shots, 0.6 key passes and 1.1 dribbles per 90 minutes in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. He has even been tidy when distributing the ball in the opponent’s half based on his pass completion rate of 88% in both those competitions (stats via whoscored).
Coutinho is yet to play a competitive match for the Catalans in this calendar year as he is still out of action after rupturing his outer meniscus. If the Brazilian sensation can find some form and steer clear of injuries, he will believe that he is still good enough to be a top performer in the Premier League.
Should Liverpool Get Coutinho On Board This Summer?
When he is fit and playing with confidence on the field, Coutinho can be an unstoppable presence in the opposition half as he is an excellent dribbler with the ball at his feet and has got the vision to orchestrate some meaningful chances for his teammates in the final third.
The Brazilian talent is a pure striker of the ball and can generate a lot of power with minimal backlift. Coutinho can still be a specialist from dead-ball situations but needs to avoid picking up more injuries if he wants to make the most out of the remainder of his playing career. At 28, the 62-time Brazil international still has a lot of football left in him and could enjoy playing in Jurgen Klopp’s style of play once again if the Merseysiders decide to bring him back to the northwest of England.
Sealing a move back to Liverpool will undoubtedly be quite appealing for the player who has struggled to give a good account of himself during his time in Spain. His creative expertise could help Klopp’s side to bridge the gap to Manchester City at the top of the league table next season.
The South American star will add some much-needed creativity to Liverpool’s attacking department that has sometimes struggled to unlock the opposition defence in the recently concluded Premier League campaign. Hence, the Reds would be wise to get Coutinho on board in this off-season, so they should accept Barca’s offer by clearing their €50m debt for the player.
