Liverpool have once again been linked with a sensational move for Barcelona attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho this summer.
The Reds are hoping to bolster their ranks during the transfer window having struggled to defend the Premier League title last season.
Coutinho was a fan favourite at Anfield before seemingly forcing through a move to the Catalan giants for £142million in 2018 (The Guardian).
According to Tuesday’s edition of Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo (via Sport Witness), as cited by Liverpool FC News on Twitter, the 29-year-old is once again under consideration on Merseyside.
Twitter: Philippe Coutinho linked with a Liverpool return today as report claims he is “on the radar” for Reds
Latest #LFC… https://t.co/ePqxCdPzIt (@LivEchoLFC)
The report claims Tottenham are currently leading the way for the 63-cap Brazil ace but Liverpool also have their ex-star ‘on their radar’ for a summer switch.
Since arriving in Spain, Coutinho has struggled to recapture the form that earned the eye-watering move – scoring 23 goals as well as registering 14 assists in 90 outings for the La Liga giants.
Last season following a return from a loan spell at Bayern Munich in 2019/20, the man hailed as a ‘magician’ at Anfield missed 37 games through injury.
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Although there is no mention of a potential fee for the Brazilian, currently holding a market value of £27million and under contract at the Camp Nou until 2023 (Transfermarkt), it’s likely Coutinho would be available for a cut-price fee.
However, having left on poor terms the first time around, Jurgen Klopp would surely be reticent to reintegrate the player back into the squad both in terms of personnel and in a positional sense.
The German manager has shied away from seeking a number 10 replacement since the departure and it would take a huge shift in mindset to make this deal a reality.
