Spurs’ hopes of signing Barcelona ace Philippe Coutinho in the summer could well have been handed a boost, with the La Liga side reportedly willing to let him leave for just £77 million.
A report from the Express suggests that Barcelona are willing to let the Brazilian leave for a fee significantly less than the £142 million they paid for him from Liverpool in January 2018. The report also suggests that the lower fee could drive up interest from Premier League clubs such as Spurs, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Manchester United, although Bayern Munich, where the 27-year-old is currently on loan, have the option to sign him permanently for £102million (per The Express).
The North London club reportedly had the chance to sign the former Liverpool man during the summer but failed to do so, which left Mauricio Pochettino extremely frustrated. The Brazilian international showed Spurs fans what they were missing out on when he produced impressive displays in both the 7-2 and 3-1 wins against the Lilywhites earlier this season.
Would Coutinho be a bargain for £77 million?
Yes
No
TIF Tactics:
It is a surprise perhaps that Barcelona are so keen to get rid of Coutinho, when his loan spell with the German side has been very impressive thus far, with the creative midfielder averaging a 7.21 rating for his performances in the Bundesliga. Spurs, of course, lost their own creative midfielder in Christian Eriksen to Inter during the January transfer window and may well have found a replacement in Giovani Lo Celso, who joined permanently from Real Betis.
However, there can be no doubt that Coutinho would be an exceptional signing for Jose Mourinho if he were able to convince him to make the move to North London, with the 27-year-old having contributed 41 goals and 37 assists in 152 appearances in the Premier League.