Manchester City have Bernardo Silva, Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and Ferran Torres at their disposal, but El Nacional say Pep Guardiola is after another forward – Philippe Coutinho. The 29-year-old has been short of form and playing time at Barcelona and could be open to a move away.
Newcastle are also keen after their takeover by Public Investment Fund (PIF), PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports & Media and have greater financial resources than City now, so they could throw a spanner in the works.
Coutinho joined the Catalans from Liverpool in January 2018 and has gone on to make 96 appearances in all competitions, scoring 23 goals with 14 assists. The Brazilian international has netted only two league goals since February 2019, however, so it’s easy to see why he’s not playing regularly under Ronald Koeman.
Although Coutinho has featured in Barcelona’s last four league games, he’s making half his appearances from the bench and hasn’t had a goal or assist this campaign. El Nacional say the 29-year-old would only cost €30m (£25.4m) as a result, but is he really a value-for-money signing?
Summary
Coutinho, in his current form, isn’t better than what City have, so why bother stumping up the money for an out-of-form player that hits his 30s next summer?
The Premier League defending champions need a natural striker to lead the line rather than another wide forward, so Coutinho wouldn’t be a wise purchase.
In other news, Man City player admits he could leave this summer