La Liga giants Barcelona confirmed the signing of World Cup-winning star Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid in a €120 million deal yesterday which could probably mean the end of the road for Philippe Coutinho at the Camp Nou.
The French attacker was a long time target for Barcelona as the Catalonians lured in Grizmann after he signed a deal which keeps him at the Camp Nou until 2024 which would also please most of the La Blaugrana faithful.
But the real question now is where Barcelona would fit in Philippe Coutinho on the pitch after Barcelona still have a number of top quality attackers at the club. Coutinho made the move to Spain back in January 2018 in a £142 million transfer deal from Merseyside giants Liverpool but has not been able to replicate the same form he showed in a Liverpool jersey.
With below par performances over the last 18 months or so, Coutinho has been linked to leaving Barcelona as the fans and even coaching staff are unhappy with his outings. The 27-year-old managed only eight goals and two assists across all competitions for Barcelona last season and Coutinho now wants a move away from the Camp Nou failing to justify his heavy price tag.
The star winger was initially given the number 14 jersey when he arrived at Barcelona but last season gave the number 7. Now recent reports claim that Antoine Griezmann will be given the new number 7 jersey which will put Coutinho’s future at Barcelona in jeopardy, almost confirming a move away from the Camp Nou.
But at the Copa America, Coutinho was in sublime form his national Brazil side as the playmaker was pivotal in guiding them to win the trophy. After the tournament, Coutinho was spotted partying with former Liverpool teammate Roberto Firmino as the duo celebrated success their success with the national squad.
Liverpool has been linked with a move for Coutinho this summer but a return to Anfield seems unlikely. Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint Germain are also considering a move for the high-quality midfield attacker with Neymar on the way out of the Parc Des Princes.
