According to a recent report by Spanish news outlet Sport, representatives of Premier League giants Chelsea are said to have initiated negotiations with Philippe Coutinho, about a potential transfer to Stamford Bridge in the summer. The Barcelona attacker, currently on loan at Bayern Munich, has been linked with moves to various clubs from the English top division, including the likes of Leicester City, Tottenham, Manchester United and Arsenal.
A recent tweet by renowned football journalist Nico Schira further clarified that the Blues had already begun speaking to the player’s agent and that the London club’s special relationship with Coutinho’s representative – Kia Joorabchian, could come as a boost to Frank Lampard as well.
It is further claimed in the aforementioned report that Barcelona are willing to sell their man for anywhere between €60m-€80m – half of what they paid to acquire him from Liverpool not too long ago.
What Is Coutinho’s Legacy In The Premier League?
The Brazilian international was signed up by Liverpool in the winter of 2013 for what would be considered an extremely nominal price in today’s day and age. Although he didn’t have an immediate impact, it’s safe to say that Coutinho went on to become one of the most influential members of the Reds’ front-line. Before being sold to Barcelona midway through the 17/18 league campaign, the Brazilian put in a transfer request and caused a whole lot of commotion before eventually sealing the deal.
The former Inter Milan midfielder spent just under five years at Anfield and did go on to become one of the most feared players in the league. Some of the goals he’s scored against Chelsea could be considered as excellent examples of his quality. The attacking-midfielder can be deployed anywhere across the front-line, but he is undoubtedly at his best when operating just in behind the main striker. His 201 fixtures for the Merseyside club over the years yielded an excellent return of 54 goals and 55 assists.
Do Chelsea Need To Spend So Much On Another Midfielder?
There is no denying the obvious quality that a player like Coutinho would add to this youthful Chelsea side. The fact that the Brazilian has managed to pick up eight goals and six assists from 22 league fixtures for his Bavarian employers so far showcases the quality that he possesses. The concern though will surely be the abundance of midfield players that Frank Lampard currently has at his disposal at Stamford Bridge.
In Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Ross Barkley, Mason Mount, Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante and most recently Billy Gilmour; Chelsea boast what is arguably the most complete and well-rounded midfield roster in the whole continent. Adding another player to that mix would definitely make things more complicated at Chelsea. When the man in question is a former Premier League superstar like Coutinho, Frank Lampard would be doing himself a favour by avoiding this signing at all costs.
