Why Newcastle United should push to sign Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona
Speaking on The Football Show (h/t Chronicle Live), former footballer Andy Hinchcliffe urged Newcastle United to secure the signing of Barcelona star Philippe Coutinho post their takeover.
Newcastle are set for a massive £300m takeover, which would make the club one of the top-flight’s richest clubs. And this has seen the club get linked with a number of top footballers, including Coutinho. Hinchcliffe, now, has urged the Magpies to recruit Coutinho from Barcelona. (h/t Chronicle Live)
Having come through the Vasco da Gama youth ranks in Brazil, Coutinho joined Inter Milan on loan in 2008, before making the move permanent in 2010. However, he was unable to establish himself as a regular at the club and managed just 47 appearances. After a short loan spell at Espanyol in 2012, he joined Liverpool in January 2013, where he flourished.
The 27-year-old made 201 appearances for the Reds, bagging 54 goals and 45 assists, before signing for Barcelona in January 2018. He featured 76 times for the Catalans, producing a return of 21 goals and 11 assists. Coutinho moved to Bayern Munich on loan last summer and has fared decently in Germany so far.
Newcastle United need more quality in the squad
Newcastle, meanwhile, have had another average season that sees them sitting 13th in the Premier League table. The Tynesiders have struggled for goals and creativity, having scored the fewest number of goals in the league this season (25).
None of the Magpies’ strikers has been able to impress over the course of the season. The wingers too have been inconsistent despite Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin showing some spark every now and then.
Central midfielder Jonjo Shelvey is the club’s top scorer for the campaign with 5 goals. It just goes on to show how Newcastle are deprived of any quality in the attacking department, This issue needs addressing post takeover and signing Coutinho would provide Newcastle with a viable solution.
The Brazilian, capable of playing on the left wing or in a three-man central midfield, would add more quality and creativity on the field for Newcastle. Despite having seen his form dwindle since leaving Liverpool, he has still posted more than decent numbers.
The 27-year-old has managed 11 goals and 5 assists for Barcelona last season. In the ongoing campaign, Coutinho has come up with a return of 9 goals and 8 assists across all competitions for loan club Bayern Munich.
Coutinho is a proven commodity in the Premier League, having been one of Liverpool’s best performers during his time at the club. At 27, he is in his peak years and given his proven pedigree, he would boost the quality of the Newcastle squad, in turn helping them increase their attacking output.
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Verdict
Newcastle United are in dire need of more quality in their attacking unit going by their displays this season. Coutinho, to that end, would be an excellent choice for them. The Brazilian has proven himself in the Premier League, has plenty of experience playing for top clubs and has been in good nick this season.
Signing him would add star quality to the Newcastle United squad. It will also be a huge statement of intent from the club post their takeover.
