The Coutinho Story- The Blues are looking to sign the former Liverpool star this summer as they are looking to boost their squad. This season, Chelsea had an average season this term as their standards. Frank Lampard has tried to make the most from the very young and inexperienced players he had to manage this season but inconsistency has been a major issue.
The Blues are looking for a top-four finish in the Premier League campaign after already been knocked out from Carabao Cup earlier. They are also on the verge of an exit from the Champions League this season after a disappointing 3-0 loss in the round of 16 ties at home against Bayern Munich.
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Coutinho currently plays for Bayern Munich on loan from FC Barcelona. Since his move from Liverpool in January 2018, his form has not been the same. Barcelona signed Coutinho to replace Andres Iniesta who left the Catalan giants at the end of that season.
However, the plan failed after many concerns over Coutinho’s injuries and playing positions. As a number eight he was not much disciplined and while playing as a winger, he covered space for Messi because of his knack of shooting after cutting inside.
Can Coutinho Fit In?
Arguably his preferred position is a number ten which was occupied by Messi as well. Barcelona decided to loan him to Bayern Munich after just 18 months and the German giants have the option to sign him permanently for £107m which is unlikely despite Coutinho having a decent season for Bayern this campaign. Chelsea will be beneficial with it and they can get the Brazillian for just around £55m. Barcelona is seriously looking to offload him and raise the transfer fund for next summer.
The 27-year old is at the prime age of his career and this will be the best time for him to come back to England where he dominated with his brilliance for Liverpool. After playing his best football in his career in the three and a half seasons at Anfield, the last two years for him has been a learning curve.
Why Lampard Actually Wants Coutinho?
Lampard likes Coutinho very much. He will be surely a very good addition in the Chelsea attack. Pedro Rodriguez will be leaving the club. Willian is also expected to depart after not agreeing to a two-year-deal which Chelsea offered him.
The 32-year-old wants a three-year deal and looking to stay in London for the rest of his career. If the Blues get Coutinho for that price, it is expected he can fill the void of both the players in Chelsea’s attack.
Chelsea has struggled for creativity in the attacking department after the injuries to Callum Hudson-Odoi and Cristian Pulisic. Lampard used Mason Mount as a winger or sometimes as an attacking number 10. This did not surely go as planned. The Brazillian is an excellent creator and can unlock opposition defences with multiple skills he has.
Whether he now moves back to England or not, remains to be seen. It will surely be an interesting summer transfer window.
