According to Mundo Deportivo, as cited by Sport Witness, Liverpool were eyeing a return for Philippe Coutinho. The Merseyside giants have been credited with an interest in the Barcelona star earlier this summer, but the report does claim that the move didn’t materialise. Coutinho is still believed to be available in the market, with Barca desperate to offload their unwanted players amid a financial ruin.
Philippe Coutinho’s Struggles At Barcelona
While Philippe Coutinho’s early struggles at Barcelona have been well documented, the playmaker returned to Camp Nou last summer with a lot of aspirations, having won the treble during his loan spell at Bayern Munich.
The Brazilian was also given a lot of early chances by Ronald Koeman. He initially impressed in the La Liga, but his form eventually dissipated. It was followed by an unfortunate meniscus injury that kept him out for the entirety of the campaign.
Coutinho finished the 2020/21 season with just 12 league appearances. His lack of action has now seen him fall behind Memphis Depay, Ansu Fati, Ousmane Dembele and Antoine Griezmann in the pecking order.
The attacker, though, is still valued by a host of clubs across Europe, primarily due to his experience at the highest level of football. Prior to his move to Barcelona, Coutinho had made over 150 Premier League appearances for Liverpool and had also featured in 38 matches for FC Bayern.
Should Liverpool Reignite Their Interest In Coutinho?
Liverpool have had another quiet transfer window. After signing Ibrahima Konate earlier this summer, they are yet to make a significant move and it appears they are content with their current crop of individuals.
However, the club desperately need some reinforcements in the creative midfield department. The departure of Gini Wijnaldum has left a massive void in that area and that is where Philippe Coutinho could turn out to be an excellent fit.
The Brazilian international has the pedigree of performing in England, having been involved in almost 100 goals in 200 appearances for Liverpool. He is versatile enough to feature in the attacking midfield slot alongside the likes of Thiago and Curtis Jones while the player also has experience of working under Jurgen Klopp.
A return to Anfield, though, might not fare well with the fans.
Not to mention, the player has had a steady decline ever since his move to Camp Nou. His exorbitant wage demands may also hinder Liverpool’s financial structure, thus breaking the harmony of the squad. And with that in mind, it would perhaps be wiser for the Reds to consider other options in the market.
