A new twist to what could be one of the stories of the summer as the Spanish champions have reportedly joined PSG in pursuit of Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho.
On Friday Paul Joyce of the Express broke the story that Paris Saint Germain have contacted Philippe Coutinho’s representatives to express their interest in signing the Brazilian this summer. Le 10 Sport in France reported that Coutinho, reacted “positively” when a possible move was floated with him and that PSG were preparing a £46 million offer for the midfielder.
Now MARCA is reporting that Barcelona have entered the fray and that they want to add the playmaker to their Brazilian contingent already at the Camp Nou. Barca already have five Brazilians but are looking to make it six of the best with Coutinho.
MARCA reports that the 23-year-old would team up well with national teammate Neymar, and Barcelona’s forward has spoken previously about the prospect of the two playing alongside one another at club level.
“I can envision myself alongside Coutinho because he is a great player and his style suits Barcelona,” Neymar said back in 2015.
The Liverpool star has stated his desire to play in the Champions League, and it remains to be seen whether Jurgen Klopp will be able to convince him to stay at Anfield as the German looks to keep improving the side.
If it comes down to a bidding way between PSG and Barca, there will be only one winner as the Spanish champions have no where near the spending power of their French counterparts.
The Coutinho situation will tell us a lot about Liverpool’s owners Fenway Sports Group and their ambitions. Are they a selling club, looking to flip Coutinho for a huge profit as they have done with Luis Suarez and Raheem Sterling the last two seasons? Or are they serious about building a team that can once again compete with the best in England and Europe?
