Barcelona interested in signing Philippe Coutinho in January transfer window

Barcelona have entered into a decisive phase of planning for the January transfer window. What would normal now would be for the sporting director, Robert Fernandez, and the manager, Luis Enrique, would begin to plan how they envisage the squad to shape up next summer, but also what tweaks will be needed in the winter. 

The priority is to sign a versatile attacking player, who can play wide. Without doubt, Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho would be a decent option. The Brazilian player is an impressive talent and has desires on playing in the Champions League. His price would be around 30 million euros. 

Barça’s interest in Coutinho is not new. In the summer they looked into a deal when the English club expressed an interest in Adama Traore. The Blaugrana wanted first dibs on the player, but Liverpool said no. The operation broke down and Adama went to Aston Villa. 

A few months have passed and Barça are still following Coutinho from a far. He’s not started the season in his best form — his manager, Brendan Rodgers, was fired on Sunday — and it seems he would be prepared to leave for the right offer. 

His agent has had small talk with Barcelona and the Catalan club are aware that Coutinho is more than ready to come to Camp Nou, with the ball now in their court in terms of putting an offer on the table. 

Coutinho has had to speak about rumours of a possible move to Barcelona in the past after Neymar said he’d fit in. “I have not seen [Neymar’s] quotes. I am good friends with him, but it’s not the moment to talk about [Barça interest]. I’m focused on having a good season with Liverpool and that is all that interests me.” 

He didn’t want to add anything, but he is aware that Barça have watched him and are enthused by his style. Coutinho is pure talent. He arrived in Europe at Inter Milan and has also spent time on loan in Barcelona, with Espanyol. Liverpool signed him for 14 million euros. 

Last season he scored eight goals and created five more — he was one of the Premier League’s stars. At 23, he has a great future ahead of him in the game, although he must strive for more consistency. 

Barça are very evidently looking for a player with Coutinho’s profile. The club are clear that there is not many players who fulfil the criteria, but the Brazilian does. In addition to that, he would also be eligible for the Champions League because Liverpool did not qualify for the competition. 

The player’s representatives have confirmed Barcelona;s interest, but there’s been no definitive move made. Luis Enrique and Fernandez will have a meeting in the coming weeks to plan their strategy for January and to decide which targets they want to prioritise. 

Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal will be allowed to play in the new year, but that doesn’t affect any possible Coutinho deal. Barça like him a lot.