Philippe Coutinho could get his last big break at the FC Barcelona. Although he has a contract until June 2023, the Brazilian had many numbers to leave the Camp Nou this summer. His high record, and the fact that last season he spent almost blank after a knee injury made the midfielder of Rio de Janeiro one of the main claims of the Barça sales showcase in this summer market.
However, from being a foot and a half out, the situation of Philippe Coutinho has made a radical change in the last week. The output of Leo Messi, plus the salary cut of Gerard Piqué already effective and the expected of the other three captains, have led to the Barça change strategy with respect to the international of the ‘canarinha’, who can now keep within his squad and give him one last chance to demonstrate the best version he exhibited in the Liverpool.
In addition, the Barça has verified how the proposals that came through Coutinho The economic expectations of the club were not convincing, which has in the Brazilian the most expensive footballer in its history after the 160 million in which his transfer was valued in January 2018 from the Liverpool. Unlike other players, as is the case with Umtiti or Pjanic -also with high chips-, Coutinho yes enter into the plans Ronald Koeman.
More options to succeed
Last season, in his debut on the bench of the Barça, Koeman already asked that Coutinho stayed with the team after the previous season acted on loan at the Bayern Munich, with which he ended up proclaiming himself champion of the Champions before him PSG in Lisbon, after participating in the historic win that the German team endorsed the Barça (2-8), with two goals and one assist.
Without Messi On the pitch, the Dutch coach is convinced that Coutinho can play a prominent role in the team as he will enjoy greater freedom to shine. In addition, there are two other factors that Koeman He does not lose sight of not wanting to let it go. On the one hand, the more than likely exit of Ilaix Moriba, until now reluctant to renew its contract with the Barça. And on the other, Koeman is aware that Pedri will need to rest at some point, after accumulating 74 games between the Barça, the national team and the Olympic team.
Consequently, Coutinho he has before him a final test to try to triumph in the Camp Nou, where the last time he played with the public he was whistled by a gesture that the stands did not like. On his feet is turning those whistles into applause three years later.
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