According to a recent report by Mundo Deportivo, Tottenham Hotspur have an advantage over Newcastle United and Aston Villa in the race to land Barcelona winger Philippe Coutinho on loan in the January transfer window.
Reports suggest that Philippe Coutinho prefers a move to Antonio Conte’s Spurs as he respects their sports project more. Barcelona are already in a lot of debt and are keen to get Coutinho off the wage bill in January.
Philippe Coutinho moved from Liverpool to Barcelona back in January 2018 for a staggering transfer fee rising up to £142million. But the switch has not gone to plan at all. The Brazilian midfielder has struggled to recapture his form at Barcelona since joining from Liverpool in January 2018.
The 29-year-old spent the 2019/20 season on loan at German club Bayern Munich. Where he won the domestic league, domestic cup, domestic Super Cup and the Champions League. But again struggled in the 2020/21 season at Barcelona scoring just three goals and claiming two assists in the whole season.
This term Coutinho has made just 16 appearances in all competitions. In this time he has recorded just two goals and no assists. (stats via Tranfermarkt)
Coutinho was considered one of the best players in the Premier League before his switch to Barcelona. He recorded an impressive 54 goals and 45 assists in 201 appearances for Liverpool. The attacking midfielder was also a part of the 2014-15 PFA Team of the Year. A witch back to the Premier League seems on the cards for Coutinho in the January transfer window.
Is Philippe Coutinho a good fit for Tottenham?
Despite the recent downturn in form and injuries, there is no doubting the Brazilian’s ability on the football field. The Brazilian is known for his dribbling ability and his playmaking qualities. He can also make some driving runs with the ball into the attacking third and opposition penalty box and create chances for his teammates.
Despite making most of his appearances off the bench this term, Coutinho has still averaged 2.0 shots and 1.1 dribbles per game in La Liga this term. (stats via whoscored) Reports suggest that Tottenham are looking to move Dele Alli on and Philippe can be the perfect replacement for the potentially outgoing Alli.
The 29-year-old has already proved his qualities once in the Premier League with Liverpool. But now he may even have a bigger point to prove and to revive his career. A loan deal can be well suited to both parties in Tottenham and Barcelona.
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