Barcelona have signed Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid after paying 120m euro buyout clause. The France striker has signed a five-year deal which includes an 800m euro release clause. On the other side, Paris Saint-Germain chiefs set up meeting with Blaugrana officials in England to seal Neymar transfer.
According to reports, Barcelona striker Philippe Coutinho has decided that he wants to leave Camp Nou this summer. The Brazilian isn’t happy and believes a departure is the best solution for his future.
Cutinho has struggled to replicate the form he showed at Liverpool in La Liga and has been linked with a return to Premier League through Manchester United or his old club.
Speaking to media, former West Ham United goalkeeper Shaka Hislop said Coutinho should join United than return to the Anfield.
“The easiest fit maybe would be for a Liverpool, give how successful he was there before. But you’re not going to pay what Barcelona paid for Coutinho.” Hislop said.
“Maybe there’s a more urgent need for Manchester United, who do have a lot of money, given their own brand and their own commercial machine.
“Given the fact that they’ve certainly under-delivered over the last couple of seasons, maybe you need that big-name player to come in.
“I think Manchester United more than any need that impact from a midfielder. But, would Coutinho go to Old Trafford without Champions League football being in the offing? That’s a question for him and his representatives.” Hislop added.
Coutinho’s agent told the Barcelona hierarchy of his wishes, but the problem could be finding a buyer willing to meet their demands of 110m euro.
“Personally, if I were advising him, I would say ‘yes, you’ve got to take that chance’. But then of course there’s the relationship between Manchester United and Liverpool and all that comes into play.” Hislop said.
“But all of the things being equal, I think it’s a chance worth taking. Outside that, who has the cash to afford Coutinho? I’m not sure there are many out there.” he added.
Coutinho scored five goals in 34 games for Barcelona last season to help the giant to win the La Liga title.
