Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti is keen on the idea of recruiting Barcelona’s Brazilian attacker, Philippe Coutinho.
According to Sport, as cited by the Express, the Toffees’ Italian gaffer wants to bring the 28-year-old to Merseyside in the next transfer window.
Reportedly, the Toffees’ interest is so great that they are at the front of the queue of clubs in the Premier League interested in acquiring the former Liverpool man.
However, it appears that a separate report from Sport suggests the fee to prise the Brazil international away from Camp Nou is proving somewhat of a stumbling block as the Catalan club are looking to ‘balance figures and close the financial year’.
As relayed by the Express, the Toffees submitted a loan bid with a fee of £18m, with an additional worth of £5m in add-ons. However, Barcelona are after a full £23m upfront.
Coutinho currently has three years left on his contract with his La Liga club and a market value of £50.4m, according to Transfermarkt.
TIF Thoughts…
While considering his statistics on loan with Bayern Munich this season, irrespective of the fee it would take to bring the player to Merseyside, the move seems like a no-brainer.
Over 22 appearances in the Bundesliga this season, the 28-year-old attacker has been in impressive form and has earned a 7.27/10 average rating (per WhoScored).
Had Coutinho replicated the same form for the Toffees in the Premier League this season, he would have been their second-best performer, trailing only Richarlison (per WhoScored).
Should Everton just offer the full £23m loan fee to secure Philippe Coutinho's services?Yes, would be a great idea
No, we don't need him
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In comparison with Everton’s 23-year-old Brazilian, though, the two players share relatively similar statistics in key offensive areas.
This season, Richarlison has taken 2.8 shots, made 1.2 key passes and performed 1.8 dribbles per league match on average, while Coutinho has delivered similar stats, having taken 2.6 shots, made 1.4 key passes and performed 1.5 dribbles per league game.
So, it seems that the Toffees already have a player of similar ability, however, that may also mean the two players could be able to complement one another well in Ancelotti’s attack.