Another big name target linked to Tottenham summer move

Bayern Munich have all but confirmed they will not make Philippe Coutinho‘s loan deal permanent, potentially opening the door for Tottenham. 

Barcelona in 2018 paid an astronomical £142 million for the Brazilian star. Things haven’t exactly panned out the way the Catalan side envisioned when they splashed out for the former Liverpool man.

Coutinho is being linked to a move to north London in the summer for a touted fee of about £77 million, half of what Barcelona paid just two years ago. That’s an incredible devaluation in such a short time frame, making one wonder if Coutinho is damaged goods who isn’t worth the cut-rate asking price. While £77 million is mark down of 50 percent, it still represents an exorbitant fee for an underperforming player of his calibre.

Coutinho endured a woeful campaign in his first full season at Barcelona. He scored five goals and added two assists in 34 appearances last season, tragic numbers for a player who is relied on for offensive production. He has been better since joining the German juggernauts, scoring six and adding as many helpers in 19 appearances with Bayern.

Other than the pricey £77 million fee, one other main impediment stands in Tottenham’s way. Coutinho currently earns about £240 000 per week, a fee that would make him Spurs’ highest paid player.

His ability is unquestionable. He offers something few others can. But I feel the cost on this occasion outweighs the potential benefits. However, if the 27-year-old Brazilian could emulate his performance level from his days at Anfield, he’d be worth every penny.

The prospective move would represent a high risk, potentially high reward scenario for Jose Mourinho and company. And at this stage the risk is just too big for a comparatively fiscally responsible side.