Coutinho-Neymar deal could make sense for Barcelona

02/07/19 3005

According to reports from the Spanish press, Catalan giants Barcelona are interested in re-signing their former player Brazilian superstar Neymar from PSG this summer.

However, with the signing of Atletico Madrid Antoine Griezmann supposedly in the pipeline, the Catalan giants need to cash-in on one of their big assets if they are to consider a move for Neymar as well.

Vice-president Jordi Cardoner even talked recently talked about the club ‘finding a balance. Whether that is financial or on the pitch, he is right.

The reigning La Liga champions would likely find it hard to fit both Griezmann and Neymar into one team, while also thinking about the finances of the deal with one eye on Financial Fair Play rules.

The Brazilian internationals have endured very differing fortunes at their current clubs over the past 18 months to two years.

Neymar has been a big hit at PSG, on the pitch anyway. He has also been involved in the usual circus that seems to follow him around. However, his sheer football brilliance negates a lot of the baggage that comes with the forward.

Coutinho has struggled to find his best form or position in Catalonia since making a big money move to the Nou Camp in the January transfer window of 2018.

The playmaker has been linked with a number of clubs in the likes of Premier League duo Chelsea and Manchester United, as well as PSG of course.

Neymar is not a big favourite amongst the Barcelona hierarchy. However, reports from Spain suggest that the big players in the squad would welcome him back. It is uncertain if re-signing the Brazilian is the right move for Barcelona.

However, if they are going to re-sign him, then it makes sense for the Catalan giants to write off Coutinho as a bad fit and move on.