Well-known journalist Ian McGarry has claimed on The Transfer Window Podcast that Philippe Coutinho has some reservations over a transfer to Everton having been at Liverpool before.
Coutinho joined Liverpool from Inter Milan in January 2013 and left for Barcelona in January 2018.
The 28-year-old attacking midfielder was brilliant for Liverpool during his time at Anfield, but things have not gone well for him at Barcelona.
The Sun has reported that the Brazil international, who can also operate as a winger, is close to moving to Everton for £35 million.
McGarry said on The Transfer Window Podcast: “I am told that Coutinho is happy to come back to English football. However, he does have some reservations with regards to the kind of reception he will get, having been an icon at Liverpool and then coming out in the blue of Everton.”
Crossing the Merseyside divide
There have been many players who have turned out for both Liverpool and Everton in the past.
Nick Barmby, Abel Xavier and Peter Beardsley are just some of the players who have turned out both for the Reds and for the Toffees.
Coutinho is still only 28 and has a lot to offer, and while Everton have another number 10 in James Rodriguez, the Barcelona man would give manager Carlo Ancelotti another option.
It could be a bit difficult for Liverpool fans to watch Coutinho turn out for their Merseyside rivals Everton, but they would accept it after a while and move on.
According to WhoScored, Coutinho has made eight starts and four substitute appearances in La Liga for Barcelona this season, scoring two goals and providing two assists in the process.
The Brazil international also scored one goal in two Champions League appearances for the Blaugrana this campaign, according to WhoScored.
Coutinho has been on the sidelines since December 2020 due to a knee injury, according to Goal.com.
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