Former Chelsea full-back Glen Johnson has said that Chelsea buying the Brazilian would be worth the risk despite his dismal loan deal with Bayern Munich.
Philippe Coutinho’s career took a U-turn since his move to Barcelona in 2018. Liverpool went on to play in two consecutive UEFA Champions League finals, winning the latter. He joined Barca in the winter transfer window for a reported transfer fee of £135.5 million.
Bayern have decided against buying the Brazilian and he will return to Camp Nou next season. The Blaugranas are looking for a suitable buyer with Chelsea being the front-runner in signing him.
“They’re definitely short in terms of trying to win the league,” former Blues full-back Johnson told the Daily Star. “It’s a tough one because what they’ve done so far is great, giving the younger lads plenty of time, and they’re performing well enough to get more opportunities. The one who stands out for me is Coutinho. I know he’s struggled recently, but he is a top, top player.
“To get him anywhere near some sort of sensible money, he’d be well worth the risk, especially if Willian’s moving out.
“The flair he brings would definitely improve the team. He needs to play in a free-roam position, and just find holes in the opposition defence. “The way he opens up defences is what Chelsea need right now.”
Glen Johnson joined the Blues in 2003 after his club West Ham were relegated. He spent four seasons at the Stamford Bridge and made 47 league appearances for the Blues. He joined Portsmouth in 2007 after making his loan deal permanent.
