According to Transfermarketweb, Tottenham are interested in the services of Philippe Coutinho. The FC Barcelona playmaker is facing an uncertain future at the club and a return to the Premier League could be on the horizon in the upcoming summer transfer window. It has put Spurs on red alert, although the Lilywhites could face stiff competition from arch-rivals Arsenal in the pursuit of Coutinho.
Coutinho’s Fall From Grace At Barcelona
Coutinho’s first season blues at Barcelona have already been well documented. After securing the treble with Bayern Munich last season, the attacker was returning to Catalonia last summer with the hopes of establishing himself as a first-team regular.
The Brazilian made quite an impact as well, during the first few matches of the campaign. However, his form eventually waned as the player struggled with a lack of consistency. It was followed by an unfortunate injury that forced Ronald Koeman to instead rely on younger alternatives.
It has turned out to be a blessing for the Dutchman as both Pedri and Trincao have made solid impressions this season and are tipped as the face of the future Barcelona attack, along with another generational talent in Ansu Fati.
Coutinho, as a result, has now fallen down the pecking order not only due to performances from these youngsters, but also due to the Meniscus injury that still keeps him out on the sidelines.
Why Tottenham Cannot Take The Risk
Tottenham Hotspur’s desire to sign a new playmaker is hardly surprising as the club brace themselves for the potential departure of Dele Alli. The Englishman has struggled with form and lack of game-time under Jose Mourinho this season and it won’t be surprising to see him depart north London in the summer.
In addition to Alli, Spurs may also part ways with Erik Lamela while Gareth Bale’s loan contract expires in the summer. It accentuates the need for a new attacker who can fill in those void. Coutinho, however, is not the right option for Tottenham for multiple reasons.
The most obvious one is the Brazilian’s lack of form and a rather awful injury record over the past couple of years. He has never really got going at Barcelona or at Bayern Munich and is bound to struggle in the Premier League despite his experience with Liverpool.
Most importantly, however, it is Coutinho’s hefty wage demands that could make him an expensive option for Tottenham. The Barcelona star was Bayern’s highest-paid footballer last season and with Spurs the case may not be any different.
It is a risk Spurs simply cannot afford to take, especially in the current financial climate. Instead, the Lilywhites should turn their attention towards younger, cost-effective alternatives, with Yusuf Demir, appearing to be an excellent option for Jose Mourinho.
