Blogs

Chelsea target Coutinho

|
Image for Chelsea target Coutinho

Chelsea are interested in Barcelona flop Philippe Coutinho as they look to find a replacement for wantaway Eden Hazard,  according to Cadena Ser.

Hazard is attracting serious interest across Europe and is entering the final year of his Chelsea contract, Coutinho has been identified as a possible replacement for the Belgian.

Chelsea must have their transfer ban lifted in order for a deal to take place but Roman Abramovich is said to be keen to land Coutinho as the leader of the next phase of his Chelsea project.

The report claims that Chelsea are confident that ban will not be in effect in the January window.

Coutinho signed for Barcelona in January 2018 but has failed to hit the ground running since his near £122 million move from Liverpool.

Good move for Chelsea?

Coutinho was one of the Premier League’s biggest stars whilst he was at Liverpool. The 26-year-old has failed to really announce himself in La Liga and the Spanish giants may want to cash in before his value begins to drop significantly. The Blues’ prized asset Eden Hazard is a wanted man this summer and Coutinho would prove to be a fitting replacement. Coutinho has failed to adapt to Spanish football but there is no doubting his ability in England. He would be a terrific like-for-like replacement for Hazard, however, the club must ensure their transfer ban is dealt with and the current situation looks bleak.

This Is Futbol rating 8/10

Likely to happen?

With Chelsea still working to get their two-year transfer ban lifted, their transfer business remains very unclear. Barcelona will demand a hefty fee to part ways with Coutinho but that’s one thing that Chelsea won’t struggle with. Would Coutinho fancy a return to the Premier League with a rival to Liverpool after his time on Anfield? We think this will ultimately hinge on whether the ban is lifted or not. And we’re not as confident as Chelsea are here.

This Is Futbol rating: 4/10

Share this article