By Brian Bariyo Tumuramye
The Brazilian has not lived up to expectations in Germany so the Catalans might just end the deal early
According to the report, the transfer will be “difficult, if not impossible” to pull off in such a short amount of time, but from Bayern’s perspective there is really no reason to hang onto the player.
Barcelona, meanwhile, have a new coach in Quique Setien, and the change in management style could be exactly what Coutinho needs to get back to his best.
With Luis Suarez out for the rest of the season, the Catalan club are desperate for attacking reinforcements in January. Having already failed to secure Valencia’s Rodrigo and rejected by Everton for Richarlison, desperation could drive the Barcelona management to push the deal through.
For Bayern’s part, Coutinho wouldn’t be a significant loss. Niko Kovac relied on the Brazilian extensively, but he has been a lot less important since Hansi Flick took over.
Coutinho has not yet started against significant opponents in the league, with the coach preferring Thomas Muller for the role of attacking midfielder.
Given Muller’s current form and injury record, it wouldn’t be out of the question for Bayern to allow Coutinho to leave this January.
