According to the Daily Star, Newcastle United are interested in Barcelona flop Philippe Coutinho but the transfer of the Brazilian superstar is dependant on the successful takeover of the Magpies.
The 27-year-old is a player who will be familiar to the Newcastle faithful having put up a show in Liverpool’s 6-0 win at St James Park in 2013. Only three months into his Liverpool career, Coutinho showcased exactly what he was capable of. He laid off two assists in what was an exhilarating performance that night.
If all goes well he could be doing that on a weekly basis, this time for the white and black. A potential transfer is one that could work out for all parties.
The Brazilian’s stint at Barcelona has been underwhelming considering his brilliance at Liverpool. The Catalans were so convinced by the player that they forked out a deal worth £142 million for the player.
Although it can be argued, especially with the advantage of hindsight that they had overpaid, they were getting a bonafide superstar in the then Liverpool number 10. Had things worked out differently, it would have been money well spent.
As it stands, the player is keen to make his way back to England where he made a name for himself. With Liverpool not in favor of a reunion, Newcastle is the latest team to throw their names into the hat for the player.
A win-win for all parties
In many ways, the deal ticks boxes for all parties involved. Newcastle will get a world-class player still in his prime while the club’s new riches can afford to offer Barcelona a better deal than our competitors. Especially given the current financial instability.
Coutinho will not only return to the league he excelled in but can once again be the main man at the club. As the attacking lynchpin of the Liverpool side, he ran the show for the Red half of Merseyside.
He revelled in the attention and support he received at Anfield to deliver one matchwinning performance after the other. Relegated to the shadows at Barcelona, his usual swagger and confidence have been missing. A player who thrives in confidence, support at the Camp Nou has been sorely lacking.
Unlike other teams interested in him, Newcastle are in a position to offer him a chance at becoming the face of the project. He will not only be a marquee player but also the focal point around whom the team can be built.
Add to that the adoration he would receive from the Magpies faithful, he could ask for no better place to resurrect his career. Being part of a new project will offer him the chance to restart what has become a faltering career.
Considering the lack of faith shown in him at Barcelona and to an extent Bayern Munich, he will grasp this chance with both hands. If all goes well, he will be remembered as the player who helped kickstart the Newcastle era. This will help preserve his reputation on this side of the Channel.
Newcastle loves their heroes and Coutinho has the chance to be just that.
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Fifteen years ago, Newcastle signed a former Liverpool star who had endured a mixed time in Spain. Little did they know that they were signing a player whose best days were behind him.
Hopefully in the second time of asking, they will get the real deal.
