Everton could architect an audacious move to bring Brazilian playmaker Philipe Coutinho to Goodison Park on an initial loan deal.
According to Spanish news outlet Fichajes, as shared on Twitter by The Toffee Blues (@EvertonNewsFeed), the Blues have made contact with Barcelona over the possibility of recruiting the 29-year-old playmaker.
Twitter:
Everton have enquired to Barcelona about potentially signing Coutinho on loan. Everton would want to insert a buy… https://t.co/9HpsCpcuuF (@EvertonNewsFeed)
The report, covered by the Liverpool Echo [live transfer blog, 2/7/2021, 11:53am] claims that an initial loan deal is ‘more likely’ to be viable for Everton, with the club having explored that possibility on Friday.
Much like Everton’s newly appointed manager Rafa Benitez, Coutinho has a storied history with the Toffees’ arch-rivals Liverpool.
Coutinho featured in over 200 games for Liverpool following an £11 million switch from Inter Milan, going on to score 54 goals and add 45 assists to his name with the Reds.
His scintillating form earned him a £121.5 million move to Spanish giants Barcelona, but only managed 37 goal contributions in 90 outings for the Catalan club.
Consequentially, SportWitness has claimed that Coutinho is one of the players Barcelona will make available for a Nou Camp exit this summer.
Benitez worked with Coutinho as a teenager when the duo were at Inter Milan, with a hypothetical reunion bringing Coutinho back into Benitez’ auspices at the latter end of his career.
Read Everton Verdict
The previous role Benitez held in working with Coutinho, albeit for a limited time at Inter, could render Everton as an attractive option for Coutinho.
However, in the same mould as fan backlash to the Benitez appointment, many Evertonians may feel aggrieved by the club recruiting a playmaker who once starred for their rivals.
With reports claiming that James Rodriguez is disgruntled and unsettled at Everton however, the Toffees may find themselves in need of recruiting a new playmaker in the transfer window.
For both Liverpool and Barcelona, Coutinho’s productivity is far from miserable, and he could yet have plenty to offer to a new club.
In that view, the interest in his services should not be snubbed – despite his Liverpool past.
Comments.
Loading comments…