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Report: Dazzling Newcastle target would cost £87m, Benitez and Pochettino both love him
With Newcastle United on the verge of a takeover, the Magpies have been linked with several high-profile players and coaches amid the prospect of St James’ Park having a huge budget going forward.
One such player said to be on Newcastle’s radar is Barcelona attacker Philippe Coutinho, with Brazilian outlet claiming the Selecao star is the Magpies’ “dream signing”, as their prospective new owners look for marquee acquisition.
Coutinho is undoubtedly a high-calibre player but is on a season-long loan at Bayern Munich, having struggled to impress at the Camp Nou since joining Barca from Liverpool for £130million in January 2018.
Bayern are not expected to make the Brazilian’s switch permanent this summer, according to , which could leave the 27-year-old possibly looking for pastures new – which is where Newcastle could make their move.
Former Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez waxed lyrical about Coutinho – who he coached at Inter Milan – in 2018, being quoted by as saying: “He had an excellent pass, shot… he had everything, despite his young age, and a wide margin for improvement.”
And Mauricio Pochettino, who like Benitez is being linked with the SJP reins, is quoted by the as saying back in 2013: “I do think Coutinho has that same quality that Ronaldinho and Messi have… what is really clear to me is that Coutinho is a really responsible player and really dedicated.”
According to Mundo Deportivo (print edition, front page, 30/4/20), Barca want 100million Euro (£87million) for the Brazilian.
TBR View:
Coutinho is a player of the highest calibre who simply doesn’t appear to be the right fit for Barcelona, but he has proven quality at the highest level, including in the Premier League.
Given his potential availability, his undoubtable quality and the fact Newcastle could soon have a budget the envy of the football world, he would be a superb – and realistic – acquisition, with both reported Magpies managerial targets having sung his praises in the past.