Philippe Coutinho wants Liverpool return

Philippe Coutinho has launched a personal plea to Jurgen Klopp in a bid to return to Liverpool.

That is if you believe a report by the Sunday World.

The paper claims that Coutinho’s agent has confirmed his desire to move back to Anfield and that he is willing to take a pay cut in order to do so.

The Brazillian signed for Barcelona in January 2018, for £142 million. He only stayed for a season and a half before being shipped out on loan to Bayern Munich.

This money funded Liverpool’s signings of Virgil van Dijk, Fabinho and Alisson.

These three vastly improved the Reds’ defence, and they helped deliver the 2019 Champions League. They have also played key roles in making Liverpool Premier League champions-elect.

So, essentially, selling Coutinho was a genius move by the club.

Despite this, fans are still excited at the prospect of his return.

A likely transfer?

While the player wants to return, it is unknown whether a deal will actually happen.

While Jurgen Klopp has always rated him highly, he may not want to accept a player who was so determined to leave.

There is also the question of finances.

Liverpool made the decision to not pursue Timo Werner, who was going to cost around €60 million.

FSG were apparently unwilling to spend that much on a player who would not be a guaranteed starter due to the current financial climate.

If they would not spend €60 million on Werner, they will not spend it on anyone else of a similar quality, which Coutinho is.

Barcelona are seemingly done with Coutinho, as evidenced by the fact that he is currently out on loan in Germany.

Despite this, they surely will not accept a remarkably low offer for a player signed for well over £100m only two years ago.

Yes, Coutinho may be available below market value, but he would still cost money that Liverpool are seemingly unwilling to spend.

There is also the potential of a loan move, but Liverpool under Klopp have not gone down this route in the past.

He recently turned 28, which is well above the age profile Liverpool go for.

All things considered, a Coutinho return to Liverpool seems unlikely.

Where would Coutinho fit in?

If he does make a comeback, Coutinho would, of course, be a great addition to the squad.

His versatility means that he can play a few different roles on the pitch.

However, things have changed since he left.

While he was the side’s main creator from the left-wing, Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold have taken on that role from the full-back positions.

The wing positions are now all about pace and goal-scoring, which is not Coutinho’s style.

While he is an underrated worker, he does not possess the energy of a Henderson, Wijnaldum or even Oxlade-Chamberlain.

This means that he doesn’t have a natural role in the midfield either.

Yet, if Jurgen Klopp finds a way to fit him into the team, Philippe Coutinho would be a fantastic signing for Liverpool.