Philippe Coutinho left Liverpool for Barcelona in January 2018 and has been regularly linked with a return to the Premier League since the summer of 2020.
The attacking midfielder hasn’t been successful, but that’s not stopped the Catalan press from talking about interest from England.
Newcastle United have been presented as the new suitor for the 29-year-old, who has failed to convince Ernesto Valverde, Quique Setién and Ronald Koeman.
The Dutchman was sacked at the end of last month and Sergi Barjuán was the interim manager, until Xavi Hernández’s arrival. Reports even indicated Coutinho failed to impress Barjuán.
Sport on Friday say Xavi gives a ‘margin of confidence’ to the Brazilian and hopes to recover his best version. If the player doesn’t improve in the coming weeks, the La Liga side will look to transfer him in January.
In other words, ‘all or nothing’ for the former Reds star as this is his ‘last train’ to succeed at the Camp Nou. The report further adds ‘Xavi has brought him a ticket in extremis’.
Coutinho’s valuation has drastically dipped, but Barca continue to be believe they ‘can still make money’ from his sale, especially to the Premier League, where the Tyneside club are name as a suitor.
Sport say ‘Newcastle are on the prowl’ and therefore, St James’ Park ‘could be a possible destination’ for Coutinho.
The report gives a feeling the newspaper are trying to help Barca find a new club for Coutinho rather than there being a genuine interest from Newcastle.
