Liverpool return for Coutinho? Number of Premier League clubs interested
James Shearman
- 5 Jan 2022 16:33 GMT
- 4 min read
Philippe Coutinho is attracting interest from a number of Premier League teams in the January transfer window, including former club Liverpool.
The Brazilian is looking for a way out of Barcelona, where he has largely struggled since leaving Anfield in a £142million deal.
In fact, he has scored just five goals in 30 appearances over the last two seasons, as youngsters Pedri and Ansu Fati have climbed above him in the pecking order at Camp Nou, while Memphis Depay is now preferred on the left wing.
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Further, Barcelona are in desperate need of a reduction to their wage bill.
The Blaugrana recently announced the signing of highly-rated forward Ferran Torres from Manchester City but are currently unable to register him.
As such, Coutinho, among others, is seen as a perfect candidate to free up space for Torres and any other January recruits.
A move back to Brazil had been rumoured, but it appears a return to the Premier League is most likely, with at least three teams interested.
Coutinho to return to Premier League?
Liverpool
Coutinho flourished at Liverpool, elevating from an exciting prospect to a world-class attacking midfielder in his five seasons.
However, a fan favourite prior to the speculation, the Brazilian severely damaged his reputation with the Kop when he left for Barcelona in 2018.
A return to Anfield could act as an admittance that the move was a mistake.
And with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane away on international duty over the coming weeks, Coutinho would have an immediate chance to win back the fans.
Also, El Nacional have claimed that Barca head coach Xavi is keen on signing Reds central midfielder Naby Keita, introducing the possibility of a swap deal.
Keita was signed with the money acquired from Coutinho's sale but has failed to make much of an impact, often struggling with injuries.
Aston Villa are reportedly in contact with Coutinho's agent, with manager Steven Gerrard thought to be an important factor in negotiations.
Gerrard, a Liverpool legend, previously played with Coutinho, meaning there is an existing relationship which could convince the midfielder to move to Villa Park.
The Villans board spent big in the summer, but will be looking to back their new boss in this window if the right opportunities arise.
And former striker Tony Cascarino thinks this is a perfect match.
''There’s talk that Tottenham, Arsenal and Everton are interested in him, but Gerrard knows Coutinho.'' he told talkSPORT:
Aston Villa are in direct contact with Philippe Coutinho agent to negotiate potential loan move, as first reported by @tjcope @helenacondis. It’s not a done deal/agreed yet. 🇧🇷 #AVFC
Coutinho has been discussed with 3 Premier League clubs. He’s open and prepared to leave Barça.— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 5, 2022
''He might think he knows how to get the best out of him. I’m talking that level of transfer.
''A player at the very top end who has played for the biggest clubs, and been successful. I think that’s where Gerrard’s coming from.
''If he’s talking about exciting the Villa fans, he’s not talking about someone coming out of the Championship or maybe a mid-table Premier League team to come to the club.''
Everton
A team with an outside chance of acquiring Coutinho are Rafa Benitez's Everton.
The Spaniard has suffered a terrible run of form which sees the Toffees 15th in the Premier League table after 18 games.
Indeed, Benitez will be looking to add to the signins of Ukrainian left-back Vitaliy Mykolenko and Rangers full-back Nathan Paterson in a push to climb back into the top-half.
Coutinho might well be reluctant to move to Goodison Park, due to his allegiance with their Merseyside rivals, but Benitez himself is proof that the divide can be breached these days.
