FC Barcelona desperate to raise funds from Coutinho sale, Everton linked – report
Spanish giants FC Barcelona are desperate to raise funds by selling Phillipe Coutinho, amid links to Everton this summer.
According to a report in AS, the Catalan outfit are prepared to cut their losses and part ways with the Brazilian.
They still owe a considerable chuck of amortisation periods to Liverpool, and due to the financial mess they’re currently in, they would find it wise to part ways with him rather than continue paying his wages along with the outstanding transfer fee.
Coutinho’s move to Barcelona hasn’t worked out due to injuries, form inconsistencies and upheaval of managers. The Brazilian went on loan to Bayern Munich the season they won the Champions League but failed to make a case for a permanent move there as well.
Everton have been linked with the player for the last couple of months, and there were reports of the Toffees willing to shell out £35m for his services.
Now, with Barcelona desperate to raise funds, Everton could be back in the chase for the player who once was their arch-rivals Liverpool’s best player.
The Reds are also linked with a move for him, but it is unlikely that Jurgen Klopp would be willing to take him back, given how his career has nosedived since he left Anfield.
Worth a punt
Many eyebrows were raised when we first signed James Rodriguez as the popular belief was that we’re getting someone based on their name recognition rather than their ability as a player.
Coutinho’s case is a similar one. On current form, very few of the top European clubs would want him, but his quality is unquestioned and if we can sign him for the earlier reported fee of £35m, it could be something worth exploring.
We’ve played Gylfi Sigurdsson at the tip of our diamond or as our most advanced midfield player on numerous occasions this season, and having someone like Coutinho in that role would instantly make us more menacing going forward.
His Brazilian teammate Roberto Firmino has also spoken highly about the Barcelona attacking midfielder.
“He’s phenomenal,” he told FIFA.com. “He has magical powers. He produces plays that don’t exist, that you couldn’t make up. He’s one of the very best players in the world.”
His trickery, creativity and ability from dead-ball situations make him a player that the club must consider signing should he fit into their budget.
In other Everton news, Toffees line up £18m-rated Ligue 1 alternative after cooling interest in Max Aarons – report
Be sure to follow Goodison News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on Everton and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Campbell.