With everyone focused on what happens next with Lionel Messi, it looks like one of his Barcelona teammates is considering a return to the Premier League.
Spanish sports daily Marca reported yesterday that Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal have all inquired about a potential transfer of Philippe Coutinho.
Coutinho will be remembered for his time in the Premier League with our fierce rivals, Liverpool, which is likely to put some fans off.
Let’s not forget that Michael Owen spent 3 years wearing United’s famous number 7 jersey despite the rivalry and perhaps Coutinho will take a similar path.
The 28-year-old Brazilian playmaker has had a productive season on loan at Bayern Munich, including 2 goals and an assist against his mother side, Barcelona, in the quarter-finals of the Champions League ahead of the trophy.
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In total last season, Coutinho racked up a respectable 11 goals and 9 assists in 38 appearances in all competitions, resulting in a better goal contribution than any other game.
With Bayern choosing not to make the loan deal permanent, the player is ready to have talks with Barca’s new boss Ronald Koeman about their future plans.
Considering the big money contract the player has and Barcelona wanting to dump some of his salary, it could be a financial rather than football decision that sees Coutinho leave.
As reported by The Mirror, Kia Joorabchian, Coutinho’s agent, confirmed a preference for a return to Premier League football despite Coutinho not making himself public.
Looking at the signings already made by Arsenal and Chelsea ahead of next season, a move from either club does not appear to be a priority and United have so far pulled their heels in the transfer window.
With United seemingly reluctant to negotiate with anyone until a deal is struck for Jadon Sancho, and with Barcelona facing the Messi saga, don’t expect any deals to be announced quickly.
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