Search icon

Football

02nd Apr 2019

Philippe Coutinho: Two English clubs interested in signing Brazilian from Barcelona

Simon Lloyd

Coutinho continues to be linked with a move away from the Nou Camp

Philippe Coutinho is again being linked with a move away from Barcelona.

The Brazilian international, who moved to the La Liga champions from Liverpool in January 2018, has struggled for form during his first full season at the Nou Camp. Because of this, several reports have claimed recently that Barca are open to him leaving this summer.

SPORT, the Barcelona-based newspaper, are the latest to discuss the 26-year-old’s future, suggesting three clubs as possible destinations if he is allowed to depart in the months ahead.

Given that Barca are likely to want to recoup most of the £142m fee they forked out to Liverpool, the report claims Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are both interested.

coutinho

PSG, it says, remain interested after trying to sign Coutinho in 2017. The chance to play alongside Neymar, an international teammate and one of his close friends, may also appeal to him.

Chelsea, meanwhile, see him as an ideal replacement for Eden Hazard, who continues to be linked with Real Madrid. Given that the London club are currently facing a transfer ban, however, this move appears unlikely for the time being.

Adding that a move to the Premier League is logical for Coutinho given how highly regarded he was during his spell in England, the report also points to the recent speculation linking him to Manchester United.

Numerous reports have suggested United are keen on the Brazilian, some suggesting Coutinho has discussed the possibility of a switch to Old Trafford with some of their players.

Though his association with Liverpool means a move to United seems unlikely, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is likely to need new midfielders following speculation that Ander Herrera has agreed to deal PSG.