According to sports journalist Nicolo Schira, Philippe Coutinho is a ‘plan B’ option for Everton if they fail to sign James Rodriguez from Real Madrid.
Gylfi Sigurdsson has been linked with a move away from Goodison Park this summer and James has been eyed by the Toffees’ as his potential replacement. Schira says Coutinho will be a contingency plan if all else fails, however.
The 27-year-old joined Barcelona from Liverpool and has gone on to make 76 appearances in all competitions, scoring 21 goals and making 11 assists. Coutinho has struggled for consistency at the Camp Nou, however, which led to him joining Bayern Munich on loan last summer.
He’s had a hand in 17 goals from 32 games in Germany, but the Bundesliga side don’t want to turn his move permanent. Everton are hoping to take advantage, but they may have to pay £100m and £240k-per-week/£12.48m-a-year in wages to bring him back to England.
James is more coveted, however. Like Coutinho, the 28-year-old has fallen out of favour in La Liga and spent time on loan at Bayern (July 12, 2017 – June 30, 2019) to get first-team football at a high level.
He’s been short of form, fitness and playing time upon his return to Real this season – 13 appearances, one goal, two assists and a serious knee injury – but it remains to be seen if he’s keen to renew acquaintances with Ancelotti.
Nevertheless, fans may be excited to see such big names linked with the club.