Transfer News: Everton enter race to sign Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho amidst Tottenham Hotspur interest
According to Spanish publication AS (h/t Daily Mail Online), Everton have entered the transfer race to sign Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho amidst interest from Tottenham Hotspur. He has failed to live up to expectations since his £145million move to Camp Nou from Liverpool.
The Toffees have contacted Coutinho’s representatives to discuss the possibility of a potential move in the future. Newcastle United are also keeping tabs on the situation and could pursue a deal for him ahead of the January transfer window.
Xavi Hernandez has reached a stance that the 29-year-old is not in his plans going forward. As a result, the financially-stricken Barca are looking to offload him to reduce their wage bill and facilitate a move in January to bring in attacking options.
Sensible transfer?
The Brazilian has a contract with the Catalans which will expire in 2023. However, the La Liga club is in desperate need of money, which could play into our hands should we pursue him in the future, as they look to get some wages off their books.
The Blaugrana star has been disappointing since leaving Liverpool and has even failed to impress in a stacked Bayern Munich side. He can play as a number 10 as well as down the left-hand side. As such, any transfer would need to be carefully assessed while reducing the risk as much as possible.
However, it all depends on whether Antonio Conte and our board would approve of the potential signing or not. Our fringe players have impressed recently, and if they continue to perform in the coming fixtures, there may not be a need to sign the former Inter Milan playmaker- the same club Conte was a manager of until this summer.
But if Conte believes he could help the Brazil superstar recapture the lost magic, then we should try to back the coach. The latter was one of the top playmakers in the Premier League when playing for the Reds. He could be a valuable asset to us if he can replicate that in a Spurs shirt.
More Tottenham Hotspur News
- Tottenham Hotspur open to letting Dele Alli and Matt Doherty leave in the January transfer window
- Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte lauds Eric Dier and suggests where he needs to improve
- Newcastle United lead Watford and Leeds in the race to sign Tottenham Hotspur defender Joe Rodon on a loan transfer
He possesses the creative ability to produce constant threats while having the skill to play a part in the final third of the pitch for us. It is wise to remember that his best footballing spell came in the Premier League itself, and a return to England can be what he needs to recapture his form.
Given Everton’s recent interest, it remains to be seen what part Coutinho’s history with Liverpool plays in that. It wasn’t a barrier when Rafael Benitez was made their manager and hence, we should take note of this recent development if we are actually after signing the versatile midfielder.
