According to The Express, former Liverpool star Steve McManamann has backed Jurgen Klopp to re-sign Phillipe Coutinho, who is currently on loan with Bayern Munich from Barcelona.
The report also suggests that McManamann has tipped Klopp to bring Coutinho back if Liverpool can get him for a reasonable price and offload some players to make room.
Coutinho, 27, came through Vasco da Gama’s youth ranks in Brazil and moved to Inter Milan in 2008. After a few loan spells, he was signed by Liverpool in 2013. In five years with Reds, he made 201 appearances and established himself as one of the best playmakers in the Premier League.
He left Anfield for Barcelona in 2018 after urging Klopp to let him go and since then, Coutinho has struggled for game time. His loan spell with Bayern Munich hasn’t been helpful either. But as per the report, McManamann wants to see the Brazilian back at Anfield, where Coutinho earlier thrived before moving.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have been by far the most dominative team in England as they are leading the Premier League table – 22 points ahead of second-placed Manchester City. They have already won the Champions League and the Club World Cup under the German manager.
The Reds have been unmatchable in almost every department on the field and have some world-class players in their ranks. However, the report also adds that Swiss International Xherdan Shaqiri could leave in the summer and Adam Lallana might seek regular game time elsewhere. Therefore, the manager would be wise to make Coutinho his top target.
The 27-year-old has already shown his worth in Liverpool’s colours. Despite struggling at Camp Nou and initially at Bayern Munich, he seems to have regained his form, scoring 6 goals and providing 6 assists in 19 Bundesliga games.
Predominantly, an attacking midfielder, the Brazilian is capable of playing well on both flanks. Although he has struggled in the past two seasons, his experience would be a key factor.
Liverpool should not miss the opportunity to sign a player of Coutinho’s quality. And therefore, the Copa America winner should be re-signed in the summer.
