According to reports, Brazilian star Philippe Coutinho could be set for a shock return to Merseyside, but not to former club Liverpool, with the Reds’ bitter rivals Everton emerging as strong favourites for his signature.
Coutinho has never quite lived up to expectations since his switch to Barcelona from Anfield and Everton could reportedly acquire him for just £35m, a fraction of the massive £140m+ fee Barca paid for him originally, as the Catalan giants look to balance their books this summer. He was loaned out to Bayern last season, but the Bavarians opted not to make the deal permanent.
Everton are currently 8th in the Premier League, but remain very much in the hunt for a Champions League spot at the time of writing. They are only six points behind fourth placed Chelsea but have a game in hand over Thomas Tuchel’s side.
The Toffees also have a strong Brazilian contingent- the likes of Allan, Bernard and Richarlison are all present at Goodison Park, and that could be another factor that plays a role in Coutinho’s proposed switch.
Coutinho has made only 14 appearances for Barca this season and has struggled with injuries, with his last league appearance coming back in December against Eibar.
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