How Leicester’s attack may look with exciting signing Patson Daka
By Nathan Wong
Philippe Coutinho: white elephant or potential bargain?
This remains a deal very much in the ‘rumour stage’ with Coutinho linked with a reunion with Brendan Rodgers on several occasions. With Barcelona drowning in debt, there are reports of Coutinho being available for just £20m. For such a player, regardless of his struggles, this seems a bargain. Due to other positions needing more urgent attention, Leicester’s interest at the moment may well end up being a loan deal, with Barcelona subsidising a large part of Coutinho’s wages.
Coutinho on his day is a quality player, make no question about that. Anyone who remembers his time at Liverpool knows how good the Brazilian can be at entertaining as well as winning games Free kicks, long-range shooting, silky dribbling. Those are just three of the areas where Coutinho dazzled Premier League fans. Under the tutelage of Rodgers, the Brazilian may well rediscover his best form. After all, form is temporary, but class is permanent. Position-wise, he’s best in the number 10 role although he is also adept at cutting inside from the left, giving cover/competition to both Barnes and Maddison.
Leicester City have lacked enough ‘star quality’ to unlock stubborn defences and Coutinho may be the answer to this problem, improving Leicester’s record against the deep block with his ability to pick killer passes, and long-range shooting. With Leicester failing to exploit a high volume of set-pieces, Coutinho’s arrival may lead to many more goals from this front, given his abilities from the dead-ball. Having more ‘matchwinners’ would also create space for the other LCFC attackers, who may otherwise find themselves marked out of the game.
One sticking point of this deal would be the Brazilian’s wages, as he earns nearly £400,000 a week. These demands would need to significantly fall if he joined as Leicester City wouldn’t want to upset the dressing room atmosphere by tearing up the wage structure. Ultimately, whether he joins depends on whether he wants football or money, either of which would be understandable choices.
This move would be a risk for sure, and whether such a risk is taken is yet to be seen. All that can be said is watch this space…