Newcastle United have reportedly made Barcelona playmaker Philippe Coutinho one of their top targets in January under the new Saudi owners.
The Magpies are expected to be busy in the upcoming transfer window following a £300 million takeover led by a Saudi Arabian consortium being completed on Thursday, that will see them become the wealthiest club in world football. Under the new regime, the club have already started planning for the future with manager Steve Bruce’s job very much in danger after a poor start to the season.
According to Spanish outlet Sport, the new owners of Newcastle United have Philippe Coutinho at the top of their wishlist. Barcelona would be willing to negotiate in January with the Saudi-led Public Investment Fund (PIF) having already approached the Brazilian midfielder’s representatives over a potential move, the report adds.
Coutinho, 29, has had a torrid time at Barcelona since his high-profile move from Liverpool in January 2018. He was farmed out on loan to Bayern Munich in the 2019/20 season, and while he did well with the Bavarian giants, the Brazilian’s struggles at Barcelona have continued since his return.
The 29-year-old playmaker has made 96 appearances for the Catalan giants, netting 23 goals and supplying 14 assists along the way to date. After being on the sidelines for six months, Coutinho has made a late return to the fold this term, managing only four La Liga appearances.
Philippe Coutinho to Newcastle United—How will he fit in?
Newcastle United have royally struggled this season and are among the four top-flight clubs yet to win a game. They are in the relegation zone for a reason, leaving Steve Bruce on the brink.
The Magpies have lacked cohesion of any kind in midfield and attack, which has led to a lack of productivity in front of goal. Thus, in addition to a clinical goal-scorer, the Tyneside-based club could do well with a creative midfielder, and Philippe Coutinho would be a good fit.
A No.10 by trade, Coutinho can also play left out wide or as an advanced 8 in a midfield three. With his technique on the ball, close control and dribbling skills, he likes to cut inside from the left and takes on defenders at will.
The Brazilian is a smart player and can unlock a defence with his vision and incisive passing. The 29-year-old can combine very well with the likes of Allan Saint-Maximin, Miguel Almiron and Callum Wilson in the Newcastle attack and create endless problems for the opposition. And needless to say, Coutinho can shoot and score from distance, as evident from his previous stint with Liverpool, whilst being handy from dead-ball situations.
At Newcastle, Philippe Coutinho would potentially compete with Joe Willock and Miguel Almiron for the No.10 role. The former Liverpool ace could also be an impact player off the bench to start of with, as his long-range shooting and dribbling could expose weak and tired defences.
If Coutinho can keep himself fit and get back his mojo, he has the qualities to make a difference for this Newcastle side.
This surprise opportunity would also provide an outlet for the Brazilian to play in a league where he flourished. A new begining should entice the player who might also be excited to be a part of the most anticipated makeover in world football currently.