Everton must act quickly to sign Phillipe Coutinho as Flamengo join race
Everton will have to move quickly if they are serious about signing Philippe Coutinho in the January window.
According to a report from Catalan based newspaper, Sport, yesterday (Thursday) Brazilian club Flamengo have joined the race to sign the former Liverpool attacking midfielder.
While Flamengo would struggle to match his huge wages, Coutinho is ready to return to his homeland and willing to take a pay cut.
It has been claimed that the player’s agent has a close association with the Brazilian club (which is obvious), and that talks will be accelerated very shortly.
Sky Sports Italy journalist Fabrizio Romano wrote on his Twitter account that the Toffees are considering making a move for the 29-year-old in January. The player plans to stay in Europe if leaves Barca.
A host of clubs including Arsenal and Newcastle United are reportedly [Sport] vying for his signature as well.
Coutinho would be a gamble signing for the Toffees. He was hailed as “world-class” by Jurgen Klopp, but the Brazilian hasn’t played much in recent years.
He has dropped way down the pecking order at Barcelona, and the La Liga giants are desperate to see the back of him.
Coutinho has plenty of football left in him, and he could be a smart signing if, and a big if, he rediscovers his form.
If he is really willing to take a pay-cut and prove himself again, a return to the Premier League won’t be a bad move.
At the same time, his chances of making the Brazilian team for the World Cup is high if he joins Flamengo and recaptures his old form.
The moot point — if Everton are serious about him, they must act quickly.
In other Everton news, Benitez is increasingly likely to sacrifice this star player in January.
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