'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAHAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFQABAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAX/2gAIAQEAAAAAXK//xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAF/9oACAECEAAAABP/xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAE/9oACAEDEAAAAC//xAAgEAACAQQBBQAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgQAAwUhBhETJDFT/9oACAEBAAE/AIeG4wuLkW3xsZ3cCztGIA22iT1U7OxVyBi+43jw/fxav//EABkRAAEFAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAAgMUMf/aAAgBAgEBPwC3MMeV/8QAGhEAAQUBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgABBCExkf/aAAgBAwEBPwA5J1nGX//Z'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
When Philippe Coutinho completed his record-breaking transfer to Barcelona in January 2018, it was expected that he would be the club's midfield metronome for the next few years.
However, it is safe to say that things have not quite panned out that way for the former Liverpool man as he found himself struggling for form, coming under criticism from fans and pundits while also being the target of boos by the Camp Nou crowd.
The Brazilian international had forced a move from Liverpool and the way The Reds have flourished in his absence only makes his transfer more hurtful.
Reports have emerged that Coutinho is seeking a life away from Catalunya barely 18 months after arriving amidst much fanfare.
Given his status and pedigree, it is understandable that some clubs are prepared to go head-to-head in a bid to secure his services. In this piece, we shall be having a rundown of four clubs that could sign Philippe Coutinho this summer.
#4 Liverpool
This looks a very unlikely option given the stability of the team and Coutinho's acrimonious departure from Anfield.
However, for all of Jurgen Klopp's side's brilliance, they have not really replaced their former number 10 since he departed and currently struggle with a lack of creativity in the middle of the park.
Reports have emerged that the club is interested in bringing Coutinho back to the club, but such speculations have divided opinion sharply, with some legends in favor of his return to Anfield while fans have vehemently expressed their stance against him coming back.
In his final half-season at Liverpool, Coutinho formed a devastating attacking quartet with Firmino, Mane, and Salah and while some might suggest his return would make the team stronger, critics would point to the two Champions League finals as well as their impressive Premier League campaign in 2018/2019 as proof of their improvement since Coutinho's departure.
#3 Chelsea
With Eden Hazard all but set to join Real Madrid this summer, The Blues would have a void in their attack which they would be looking to fill.
Reports have emerged that the defending Europa League champions have identified Philippe Coutinho as the ideal replacement for their Belgian playmaker.
If signed, the Rio de Janeiro native would help add creativity to a midfield which has looked devoid of ideas at times, while the presence of numerous Brazilians in the squad and his experience of the Premier League would help him transition to a new club seamlessly.
However, with Maurizio Sarri's position as Chelsea manager far from being settled, any potential transfers would have to be put on hold pending a decision on who would occupy the dugout next season, while the club's transfer ban could also act as a snag to Coutinho's arrival.
#2 Manchester United
Manchester United is in dire straits at the moment and a massive squad overhaul is needed to take the club to previous heights.
A lot of departures and arrivals are expected at Old Trafford this summer, with Paul Pogba perhaps being the most likely exit, as Real Madrid circle around for his signature.
Departures are also expected in other departments and it is safe to say that the record Premier League champions could be fielding an entirely new look team next season.
Manchester United have reportedly entered the race to sign Coutinho, despite his past links with heated rivals Liverpool as the club is eager to procure his services to help in their transition process.
However, it is not known if Coutinho would sacrifice his personal ambitions for the rebuilding process at Old Trafford with the 26-year-old himself admitting that he is unlikely to be heading to Old Trafford.
#1 PSG
Over the last eight years, PSG have emerged as one of the biggest spenders in Europe owing to their takeover in 2011 by Qatar Sports Investment.
Numerous world class players have arrived at the club, from Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Neymar and Kylian Mbappe with the latter two currently being the two most expensive players of all time in the sport.
However, while domestic invincibility has been achieved, it is on the continent where the Parisians' aspirations really lie, but they have seen their quest for the Champions League end in harrowing circumstances in each of the last seven seasons.
For all the talk of PSG having a world-class team, a closer inspection of the squad would show a depleted midfield and this was a major reason why the club got eliminated by Manchester United in the first knockout round of the Champions League last season.
Philippe Coutinho has emerged as a likely summer transfer, with the desire to play with Neymar at club level making France his likely destination this summer.
Any transfer involving Coutinho would require heavy spending which coupled with Mbappe's and Neymar's moves would likely make PSG fall foul of FFP regulations but in order to overcome this setback, the club have tabled a loan offer with the option to buy in order to bring Coutinho to Ligue 1, while a potential make-weight which would see Neymar go the other way has also been mooted.
