La Liga giants Barcelona have reportedly offered Liverpool midfielder Andre Gomes in a potential part-exchange deal for playmaker Philippe Coutinho.
Spanish outlet Don Balon claims that the Catalan club are ready to include the 24-year-old in a deal which could see Coutinho leave Anfield for a fee around £132million.
The report claims Rafinha, Aleix Vidal or Arda Turan might also be considered as bait to bring the Brazilian to the Camp Nou in the foreseeable future.
Good move for Liverpool?
Although Coutinho has been one of the best players at the club over the last couple of years, if Barcelona are willing to table such a huge bid, the Merseyside club should swallow their pride and accept it.
The Brazil international reportedly made it clear that he wanted to leave the club in the summer and it might suit all parties involved if he secures a move to Spain next summer.
Liverpool’s biggest problem under both Brendan Rodgers and Jurgen Klopp has been at the back but with £132million in the bank, the Reds could use the funds to reinforce the defence and goalkeeper.
It is clear that Gomes is not a suitable replacement for Coutinho in terms of quality but he is still very young and he has the potential to improve and adapt to Premier League football.
Although the Portugal international cannot replace Coutinho’s goals, he can add more steel to the midfield and with Naby Keita on his way to Anfield next season, the two could potentially form a partnership that could help the Reds become challengers for the league title.
This Is Futbol rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
With regards to Coutinho leaving Merseyside, it almost seems that this will be his final season at the club especially if Barcelona continue their fine form and storm to the La Liga title.
The Brazilian will be desperate to add trophies to his repertoire and he is aware that it will be easier to accomplish this at the Camp Nou rather than Anfield at this current moment in time.
With regards to Gomes moving to Liverpool as part of an exchange deal, it might be difficult as reports claim that Premier League rivals Tottenham are looking to snap him and allow him a perform on a weekly basis.
The decision will ultimately come down to the Barcelona players but the Catalan club might not even need to add players to deal to land Coutinho next season.
This Is Futbol rating: 5/10