What’s the story?
Barcelona might have won El Clasico in a thrilling manner against Real Madrid, but the fact remains that their midfield led by magician Andres Iniesta has failed to dominate and control possession like they used to in the last few matches. With Andres Iniesta now 32, a long-term replacement has been looked for actively by the Barcelona scouts this season and now latest reports from The Sun and Spanish Daily Don Balon claim that they are going to actively pursue Liverpool superstar Philippe Coutinho.
The Brazilian has long been linked with a move to the Catalan giants and with Barcelona set for a major squad overhaul in the summer transfer window, Coutinho might well be lining up with his former team-mate Suarez at the Camp Nou next season.
In case you didn’t know...
Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta has struggled with form and fitness this season. While Denis Suarez was bought at the start of the season as an alternative to Iniesta, he has failed to live upto expectations. Also, the same report goes on to state that the likes of Denis Suarez and Arda Turan will be sold to finance a £65 million move for the Brazilian superstar.
However, signing Coutinho will not be easy for Barcelona as the Liverpool playmaker just signed a new contract in January and the Merseyside giants will be desperate to hold on to their prized asset for at least the foreseeable future.
Also read: Fernandez rules out Neymar exit, plays down Dybala talk
The heart of the matter
As is usually the case with Don Balon, they have gone on to claim that Lionel Messi himself wants either one of Coutinho or Verratti to strengthen the midfield for the Catalan giants. While it is highly unlikely that the Argentine maestro would have demanded the signing, the fact remains that Coutinho is one of the most talented playmakers in world football at the moment.
With Luis Enrique set to leave at the end of this season a lot of Barcelona’s transfer activity will depend on who is announced as the Asturian’s replacement. Iniesta, while a true legend of the game, has shown signs of slowing down and there are reports that the Barcelona hierarchy including legends like Ronaldinho and Xavi think that the 24-year-old is absolutely suited to the Catalan giants’ style of play.
What’s next?
It promises to be a summer of great change at both Barcelona and Liverpool with plenty of arrivals and departures expected in the transfer window. While Barcelona will be confident of signing the best players, Liverpool will be desperately hoping that they qualify for the Champions League and hold on to their best players next season.
Also read: 5 players who can replace Andres Iniesta at Barcelona
Author’s take
Coutinho has been linked for a long time with Barcelona. However, with the Brazilian having penned new terms only in January and with Liverpool playing some impressive football under Jurgen Klopp, the Catalan giants might find it extremely difficult to prise away the talented playmaker even for a bid of £65 million.
In a footballing sense, the signing of Coutinho makes perfect sense as the Brazilian looks like the ideal player for Barcelona’s unique system and style of play.
Also read: 5 records Lionel Messi might never break with Barcelona and Argentina
