Could Barcelona end up keeping Coutinho in January?
Nicholas Hughes
- 18 Oct 2021 09:09 BST
- 5 min read
Philippe Coutinho earned his dream move to Barcelona in the January transfer window in 2018, but his career has been more like a nightmare at the Camp Nou.
Despite a promising first six months, which culminated in a La Liga title and saw the Brazilian register eight goals and five assists in 18 league games, Coutinho has struggled to make a considerable impression.
After just one full season, the former Liverpool man was shipped off on loan, and while that temporary stay at Bayern Munich earned him a Champions League winners medal, it was the first indication that his future at Barcelona was hanging by a thread.
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The 29-year-old made a measly 12 league appearances throughout the 2020/21 campaign for Barca, and has been in the shop window for some time.
A return to Liverpool has been suggested, Arsenal and Tottenham have both been linked, while cashed-up Newcastle United and Manchester City are the latest sides to join a growing list of potential suitors.
But Ronald Koeman has shown his faith in the player after he sprung off the bench to score his first goal of the season against Valencia.
“When he entered the game, he was good. With his freedom we were able to control the game better. He knows how to score goals,” Koeman told reporters after the 3-1 win.
“He has taken an important step because I have always believed in Coutinho. Physically, he is getting better and better.”
Those comments would suggest that Koeman has avoided picking Coutinho due to perceived physical deficiencies, but the Dutchman’s show of faith could suggest a brighter future for the Brazilian at Barca.
Coutinho's quality remains, but he needs to be able to compete physically
Coutinho’s quality is obvious, when he is able to perform at his best. For multiple seasons he was one of the Premier League’s best players, despite often playing in a Liverpool side that was some way short of the top teams in the division.
His outstanding distance shooting, set-piece prowess and precise dribbling made him a handful for any defender, whether he was playing through the middle or off the left-hand side.
But as it turned out, Liverpool recouped one of the biggest transfer fees in football history and became a much better side after Coutinho’s exit, while his personal career has floundered in Spain.
As Barcelona continue to recover from the loss of Lionel Messi, Coutinho’s role could be increased with further good performances. If he can continue to earn the faith of Koeman and turn his form around for the La Liga giants, he might just be able to earn himself a second chance and stave off advances from elsewhere in January.
