Sky Sports pundit urges Liverpool FC to re-sign 26-year-old this summer
Phil Thompson admits he would love to see Liverpool FC re-sign Philippe Coutinho from FC Barcelona this summer
Phil Thompson has admitted that he would welcome Philippe Coutinho back to Liverpool FC with open arms this summer.
The Brazilian playmaker moved to FC Barcelona in the 2018 January transfer window after having been heavily linked with a move to the Camp Nou.
Coutinho has struggled to hold down a regular starting spot in the first team in Catalunya since his move to the club and he has been limited to just 22 starts in La Liga this season.
The 26-year-old has only managed to net five goals and make two assists in La Liga this season and he was part of the team who were beaten 4-0 by Liverpool FC at Anfield in the Champions League semi-finals last week.
Coutinho’s lack of playing time may well prompt speculation that he could leave FC Barcelona this summer – and former Liverpool FC star Thompson would be happy to have him back at the Merseyside club.
Speaking in an interview quoted by Metro, Thompson said: “I would take him back in a heartbeat, but it would have to be now.
“You don’t want to leave it another 12 months, I think he still has the ability.
“He’s suffered at Barcelona. We’ve seen him playing out wide on the left, but he’s not Neymar.
“He likes to be in the middle where he can pull strings and is getting on the ball to hurt teams.
“He doesn’t do that and he’s not a left-winger and that’s where he’s playing at Barcelona – they don’t love him like Liverpool loved him.”
Liverpool FC are currently preparing for their Champions League showdown clash against Tottenham Hotspur in the final in Madrid on 1 June.
The Reds finished in second place in the Premier League table and a point behind champions Manchester City, who successfully defended their title.
