In a recent print edition, Sport reported that Leicester City are locked in a three-way battle for Barcelona outcast Philippe Coutinho this summer. It has been revealed that the Foxes are facing competition from AC Milan and Inter Milan in the race to sign the Brazilian playmaker during this summer transfer window (transcripted and translated by Sport Witness).
Coutinho’s Injury Frustrations In Spanish Football Last Season
Coutinho endured an injury-plagued season at the Nou Camp as he missed a lot of key games because of multiple injuries. The 29-year-old banged in three goals and grabbed two assists in 14 appearances for the Catalan club in the previous campaign in various competitions.
The former Liverpool playmaker struggled to be consistent in the final third after he averaged 2.3 shots, 0.5 key passes and 0.9 dribbles per game in La Liga. However, he distributed possession with a lot of conviction based on his pass success rate of 89.1% in league football (stats via whoscored).
Coutinho has still got two years remaining in his Barca contract but is in dire need to switch clubs so that he can make a fresh start and play a more prominent role at the highest level. At 29, he still has some time to turn his career around for the better in the coming seasons.
Will Coutinho Be A Wise Choice For The Foxes This Summer?
Coutinho is a technically gifted footballer who can make some clever runs with the ball towards the opponent’s penalty area. He can be a hard man to dispossess when he is playing well on the field and has got the eye to pick out a decisive pass in the attacking end of the pitch.
The Brazilian attacker can even strike the ball with power and precision from long range. However, his recent injury record makes him a risky option for Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers to consider during this summer transfer period.
Even then, if Coutinho can stay injury-free, he could be a real asset for the Foxes in the 2021-22 Premier League campaign. We can expect the Brazilian to add plenty of goals and creativity to Rodgers’ attack and could even help the East Midlands outfit secure a top-four place in the English top-flight next season.
With all things considered, Coutinho will be a wise choice for the Foxes as he still has enough quality to rival James Maddison and Harvey Barnes for a place in Rodgers’ starting XI over the next few seasons. Thus, Leicester should think about trying everything in their power to bring the Barca outcast to the King Power Stadium before the start of the new campaign.
