The strange case of Coutinho and how Bayern want another top star
Bayern Munich like to think big even in times of crisis, and that probably spells bad news for Philippe Coutinho.
Few big transfers are expected across Europe this year with the coronavirus pandemic halting leagues and eating into club finances. But Bayern are staying bold.
“We want to strengthen our team with a top talent from Europe and also bring an international star to Munich who will raise the quality of our team and help the team to offer our spectators highly profitable and attractive football,” Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic told the Welt am Sonntag newspaper.
Brazil playmaker Coutinho was meant to be that international star when he joined on loan from Barcelona in August. His career had faltered in Spain after thriving at Liverpool but his performances for Bayern were not convincing.
Now he has undergone an ankle operation and with the resumption of the Bundesliga still unclear because of the coronavirus outbreak, he may even have played his last game for the German champions.
His loan ends on June 30 and it seems unlikely given Salihamidzic’s comments that Bayern will take up the purchase option of 120 million euros (130 million dollars).
Even a substantial discount in coronavirus times would probably not change anything. The 27-year-old could be set for a low-key farewell despite being given the symbolic number 10 jersey just eight months ago following the retirement of club icon Arjen Robben.
Bayern have been ruthless in the past, loaning James Rodriguez from Real Madrid before deciding against buying him outright after mixed displays similar to Coutinho.
The main problem for Coutinho at Bayern has been the return to form of Thomas Mueller. The German struggled badly last season as he was dropped for good from the Germany squad. But he has been superb this term, leading the Bundesliga assists tally with 16.
Bayern coach Hansi Flick clearly prefers Mueller, as shown by the 30-year-old being recently handed a new contract until 2023.
Other players needing new deals look set to be Bayern’s focus in the coming months, rather than securing Coutinho.
Thiago Alcantara, David Alaba and captain Manuel Neuer all have contracts running out in 2021, with negotiations with Neuer complicated by the arrival of Schalke goalkeeper Alexander Nuebel in July.
It is not just that Coutinho has struggled to adapt to the Bundesliga. He did not even start in Bayern’s superb 3-0 win at Chelsea in the Champions League last 16 first leg. He is now being strongly linked with a move to the Londoners in the media.
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But there is somewhere else he may end up – his parent club Barcelona.
Coach Quique Setien, who took over after Coutinho had been loaned out, recently told Spanish radio station RAC1: “I like him a lot. In principle he’s a player made for Barcelona.”
Bayern may be looking for a top name but the coronavirus pandemic is still likely to restrict transfer spending generally across the leagues. A return to Barca therefore looks the most likely option for Coutinho. (dpa)
