Philippe Coutinho has failed to stamp in authority in the La Liga and there’s a major possibility that he will move back to the Premier League this summer.
But according to former Barcelona man Rivaldo, the Brazilian should head back to the Camp Nou and fight for his place a second time.
“It looks like Bayern Munich won’t pay Philippe Coutinho’s option clause at the end of the season and the player is likely to return to Barcelona,” Rivaldo told Betfair, via Football London.
“I always thought Coutinho would adapt better to Spanish football than German, as there are some language and lifestyle issues that could be a little different for a Brazilian in Germany.
“Unfortunately, it hasn’t gone well for the player in either league and he will be returning to Barcelona. It’s up to the club and manager to decide whether he is going to have another chance next season or not.
“If the chance comes, Coutinho really needs to step up and show the great player he is, just like he did in England with Liverpool and has done with the Brazilian national team for which he is still an important player.
“I believe in his qualities and think much will depend on his will and mental strength. He must prove that others were wrong to write him off and that he can still make the difference for any team.
“Playing for Barcelona is a unique chance for a player and perhaps Coutinho’s experience in the Bundesliga has made him wake up and see that Barca could be the right place for him.
“Of course, it might not turn out to be the case and he could join a Premier League club. Barca might prefer to get back some of his investment in the player.
“I think Coutinho should fight to stay at Barca and try to convince the club of his qualities. That would be a real demonstration of his personality.”
While Coutinho will love to have a second chance at his Barcelona career but we do not think the Catalans will want to take that risk next season.
They have a lot of money invested in the playmaker and right now all they want is to pull back as much of it as possible(in order to reuse it elsewhere).
The likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs are all keen to sign Philippe Coutinho which is why we think the former Liverpool man will also want to return to the Premier League – a league with which he is perfectly familiar with.
