Philippe Coutinho is strongly linked with English Premier League return with the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Newcastle United interested in former Liverpool star. The 29-year-old is having another disappointing season with Spanish giants Barcelona and recently handed a transfer request. Catalan giants also wish to offload their most expensive signing with both a permanent exit or loan move with an option to buy are on the table for the interested parties.
Coutinho started well this season under the management of Ronald Koeman but suffered an injury in the early stages of this season. But when he returned from injury, Koeman was sacked and former legend Xavi was the new head coach at Camp Nou. Coutinho has been fully fit lately but warming the bench as Xavi is choosing an academy youngster over an experienced Brazilian. Coutinho has scored 2 goals in 12 league appearances, most of which came from the bench.
Coutinho finally hands in transfer request:
According to Spanish outlet Sport, Philippe Coutinho has handed in a transfer request on Wednesday morning after his struggles continue at Camp Nou. Barcelona is interested in selling a player who costs them £400k per week and lost his touch.
The same report suggests that Barcelona will face some problems selling players on high wages, which means Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele will have to accept a pay-cut or Barcelona have to pay some of the wages. Barcelona signed Spanish winger Ferran Torres from Manchester City for a reported fee of £54 million and now looking to sell both Coutinho and Dembele to fund another new signing.
Philippe Coutinho has made it clear to Barca that he is willing to move if there is an attractive offer for him. He understands the club don't need him & hopes to play for Brazil at the 2022 World Cup.
(Sport)
Come on, Newcastle! We want his 30 yard bangers back in the PL! ? pic.twitter.com/CVZxsMkodr
— Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) January 4, 2022
Brazilian to prefer Arsenal over Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur?
Newcastle United, the richest club in the world, is linked with plenty of big-name players and are in a position to afford Coutinho’s wages. The Magpies are struggling in the relegation zone but now the transfer window will be a big helping hand for manager Eddie Howe.
Arsenal are also very much interested in former Inter Milan playmaker and manager Mikel Arteta is also keen on bringing the Brazilian to Emirates Stadium. Arteta is playing with a high-pressing 4-2-3-1 formation, and Coutinho was excellent in that position at Liverpool under former manager Brendan Rodgers. Coutinho can play in number 10 role, left-wing, and central midfield role and Arteta can offer him a left-wing role which is currently occupied by Gabriel Martinelli only.
Antonio Conte is also looking to add more stability in midfield as the likes of Dele Alli and Lucas Moura are not the same players they used to be and Giovani Lo Celso and Steven Bergwijn struggling with injuries. Tottenham manager Antonio Conte will find it difficult to convince Coutino for the North London move as he plays with a 3-5-2 formation.
According to the same report from the sport, Phillipe Coutinho is more interested in Arsenal move but still hasn’t decided on his next destination. Arsenal are currently in the top-four position and offer Coutinho a perfect position in starting eleven.