Everton reportedly want £146m Brazilian attacking midfielder this summer – originally posted on Sportslens.com
According to Tz (via Marca), Everton are willing to make an offer of €40 million to sign Barcelona attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho this summer.
The Brazil international is currently on the sidelines due to an injury he sustained in December, and while he was in manager Ronald Koeman’s plans during the first-half of the campaign, the club’s financial struggles could see them decide to cash in on him.
The former Liverpool star joined Barcelona in January 2018 for £146 million but has been largely underwhelming, spending last season on loan at Bayern Munich.
Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti wants to further strengthen his squad this summer after making some marquee signings last summer, and it appears that he is keen on Coutinho.
The 28-year-old was one of the best players in the Premier League during his Liverpool days, scoring 41 goals in 152 league games for the Reds.
It remains to be seen whether the attacker will be keen on moving to Goodison Park, though, having spent almost six seasons at Anfield.
Coutinho has attempted to return to England thrice, with moves to Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and an attempted return to Liverpool falling through.
Barcelona have been impressive in his absence and they look to land the La Liga title after winning the Copa del Rey some days ago, and they could be open to letting him go.
They will not be able to recoup even half of the fees they spent on him given his form and the financial situations of clubs around the world, but whether the €40m (£35m) Everton are offering will be enough to tempt them into parting ways with him remains to be seen.
In other news, Argentina international reportedly wants Everton move this summer.