Top 5 destinations for Philippe Coutinho

Coutinho’s £142m move to Barcelona was supposed to be a dream for the playmaker. In a bid to win silverware, the Brazilian swapped clubs to join the Catalans. However, his dream move has turned out nothing short of a nightmare.

Now being counted amongst the most expensive mistakes in the history of football, Barcelona are eager to make amends and offload the 27-year-old this summer. Coutinho himself is longing for new surroundings to start anew.

While his transfer from Barcelona is almost certain, here’s a look at five destinations the playmaker could choose from.

#5 Manchester United

Manchester United are in the middle of a transition phase with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the driving seat. The Red Devils are keen on making quality signings and have been linked with a move for Coutinho.

The fallen giants are poised to lose Paul Pogba this summer. The Frenchman has already declared his interest in a transfer and should he switch clubs, the Brazilian could be a like-to-like replacement for the Frenchman.

However, the fact that Coutinho played formerly for Liverpool will definitely act as a thorn in any of United’s attempts to sign him. The playmaker himself wouldn’t risk the ire of the supporters of his former employers, knowing that they already are unhappy with his decision to move to Spain in the first place.

Nonetheless, Manchester United will always remain a suitable destination for the 27-year-old.

#4 Inter Milan

When big-money moves fail, players are desperate to return to clubs they came from. Similarly, Inter Milan could present a good option for Coutinho to resurrect his career.

The Serie A is steadily gaining its lost prestige. Juventus have already become world beaters in the past few years, while Inter Milan are on the way to challenge them.

With Antonio Conte’s managerial appointment, Inter have shown that they mean to return to their former glory. Coutinho could be a real help in that mission, knowing that he started his career in Europe with them.

But, the price tag of the player is why Inter will mostly refrain from signing the 27-year-old unless they come up with a suitable player-plus-cash deal that satisfies both the parties.#3 Bayern Munich

German champions Bayern Munich are also in need of a creative enforcer this season. The Bavarians decided against making James Rodriguez’s loan deal permanent and hence a suitable replacement in that area is a necessity.

Bayern are ready to spend this summer, albeit more on the wing department following the departures of Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben. Coutinho could be a luxury difficult to afford, but a big plus nonetheless.

From his point of view, the 27-year-old can still keep his hopes of winning a Champions League medal intact at the Allianz Arena.

A suitable player-plus-cash deal including David Alaba could pave the way for Coutinho to come to Munich. However, a large part of the deal depends on how much cash Bayern offer and whether Barcelona will be interested in taking Alaba.

#2 Liverpool

There’s always a chance for redemption, isn’t it? Jurgen Klopp had advised Coutinho about the grass not always being greener on the other side before he left for Barcelona. It seems the Brazilian has finally understood what his former coach meant.

Liverpool won the Champions League last season, trouncing Coutinho’s Barcelona en route in a historic comeback. The Merseysiders also fought tooth and nail for the Premier League title, losing out to Manchester City by just a point.

Season 2018/19 was enough to show that Jurgen Klopp’s men are on the rise ans ready to win the Premier League trophy that has aluded the club for about thirty years now.

Coutinho has also reiterated his desire to return But unless Liverpool match his price tag, their prodigal son shall have meagre chances of coming back to the place he once called home.

#1 Paris Saint Germain

At the moment, Paris remains the likeliest destination Coutinho could end up at. The reason is both Barcelona and PSG have two high-profile stars who are looking to move out.

Neymar wants a return to Barcelona and the Catalan giants are keen to offload Coutinho to fund a move for his fellow compatriot. Any deal between the two clubs is bound to see the Barcelona number 7 move in the opposite direction as a part of the deal to bring Neymar to the Nou Camp.

At Parc des Princes, Coutinho has every chance of becoming the face of the club. The French champions are hell-bent on winning the Champions League this season. Coutinho could prove to be a fine replacement for Neymar, albeit he plays in a different position in contrast to his old friend.

PSG have both the means and the reason to take Coutinho and it won’t be a surprise if we see him dawning their dark blue colours next season.