Everton-linked Philippe Coutinho left out of FC Barcelona matchday squad

Philippe Coutinho has been left out of Barcelona’s matchday squad against Real Sociedad on Sunday amid links to Everton.

The Toffees are keen on signing an attacker this summer, and have reportedly identified the Brazilian as an option.

According to Fichajes, Rafa Benitez has asked the Everton board to sign the 29-year-old and they have made an enquiry into the transfer-listed attacking midfielder.

Can we sign him?

Under Carlo Ancelotti, we signed players of Coutinho’s calibre but with Benitez in charge, our arrivals have been a tad underwhelming thus far.

He does not seem to have the same kind of pull as the Italian, and that would mean us having to overpay for any big signing.

Coutinho, despite his age, would be a terrific signing for us and walk into our playing eleven.

Our midfield over the past few seasons has been criticised for a lack of fluidity and Coutinho’s signing could go a long way into solving that problem.

Everton

He’s a terrific player, who on his day, could terrify even the best of defenders.

His former boss Jurgen Klopp still holds to very high regard, calling him “Fantastic” a couple of years ago when he was linked with a return to Liverpool. [ESPN]

It remains to be seen where this one goes, but seeing him left out of the matchday squad suggests that the Catalan side are also keen on parting ways with him.

In other Everton news, ‘Source close to the player confirmed…’ – Journo shares what he’s heard on Everton-Hoppe links

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