Before Newcastle’s takeover broke down in July of last year, there were basically two transfer lists making the headlines. One for a Newcastle that remained under Mike Ashley’s thumb and a second consisting of world-class talent that the Saudi-backed consortium was sounding out.
One name that was constantly mentioned on the latter list was Barcelona playmaker Philippe Coutinho. The now 29-year-old was considered expendable at the Camp Nou after not having the expected impact after his over £100m move from Liverpool in 2018.
The Brazilian spent the 2019-20 season on loan with Bayern Munich, who opted not to take up a purchase option on him. He returned to Barcelona last season but a serious knee injury limited him to just 14 appearances.
With Newcastle officially under new ambitious ownership, the original list of world-class targets can now be put to the test. It didn’t take long for Coutinho’s name to hit the radar once again.
Sport Witness is citing a report from Spanish outlet Sport that Coutinho remains a target. They are reporting that he is one of the targets that was approached before the takeover’s initial collapse.
Lazio striker Ciro Immobile has already publicly confirmed that he was contacted about a potential move to Newcastle in 2020. So we’ll see if his name resurfaces as a potential target as well.
The Mail has taken the claim from Spain a step further. They are reporting that Newcastle’s new board is hoping to make Coutinho one of their first signings in January.
Debt-ladened Barcelona could be keen on the sale. They recently revealed they are £1.15bn in debt and offloading Coutinho’s £200k/week in wages is likely to appeal to them. His price tag is reportedly around £42m.
The Telegraph paints a bit of a different picture on what Newcastle’s new transfer policy will be. Jason Burt is reporting the board will take a pragmatic approach and try to sign proven Premier League players in the final years of their contracts.
They will pair these more economical transfers with a few marquee signings to build the squad over the next few transfer windows. Coutinho could actually fit this policy if Newcastle can negotiate down his transfer fee.
He has plenty of Premier League experience making over 200 appearances with Liverpool. His contract expires in 2023 so he has less than two years remaining on it. Though it must be said that we are likely to be barraged in the coming months with numerous high-profile targets.
Earlier on Friday, it was reported that former Liverpool Academy manager and Chief Scout Frank McParland was in line for a role at Newcastle. The Times is reporting he is set to become an advisor to the Newcastle board. He has extensive experience in the transfer market so would be a massive asset on Tyneside.
316 comments so far
%#%
Oct 8, 2021 at 9:47 PM
Comment #1Shameless repost
seantoon,
I’m basing my figures on that surely Man U would be happy to get their money back on a player that seems not to be in the managers plans at all. Lacazette is out of contract next year and could possibly be got even cheaper than £10M, Lpool have just spent £40M on Konate so surely at least one of their CB’s is surplus and there’s no way I think we should pay more than £10M for one of Gomez, Phillips or Matip.
kilcline
Oct 8, 2021 at 9:47 PM
Comment #2We need a marquee signing but Coutihno is past it,
Would like to see more younger hungry players coming in.
Jamesthefirst
Oct 8, 2021 at 9:49 PM
Comment #3Bruce has gone. Announcement in next 24 hours
Rafa has turned the job down.
Mouth of the Tyne on Twitter (who broke the news of takeover first)
%#%
Oct 8, 2021 at 9:54 PM
Comment #4You see when there’s actually something to talk about instead of Ashley is a tw@t then football discussion is rife. We can genuinely talk about signing players like Joel Matip (who coincidentally we were linked with years ago) Van De Beek or even Origi, Coutinho is a busted flush I think, much like Hamez Rodriguez, there’s no way he’d roll his sleeves up for us on £150K pw. It will be interesting to see if a new manager gets a tune out of Ryan Fraser?
Toonces
Oct 8, 2021 at 9:54 PM
Comment #5One thing that will be easier with the new owners will be to move out some of the deadwood. For some of the players we had trouble moving the new owners won’t have trouble buying out their contracts. Likewise we will be able to cover more of our players’ wages when we try to loan them out. This will let us create room in the squad for new signings.
Scythe For Bruce
Oct 8, 2021 at 9:55 PM
Comment #6kilcline
Coutinho has talent but I don’t think he has the application anymore. A bit like Ben Arfa was. Maybe coming back to the Premier League and being a ‘star’ player at Newcastle could reinvigorate him, but with that salary and possible large transfer fee, it’s not worth the risk I’d say.
%#%
Oct 8, 2021 at 9:55 PM
Comment #7‘Mouth of the Tyne on Twitter (who broke the news of takeover first)’
😆
Not George Caulkin then:o
remember69
Oct 8, 2021 at 9:55 PM
Comment #8I feel it almost comical that top 6 clubs are infuriated at the deal and demanding answers from the Premier league. Aren’t these the same clubs that conspired ti ditch the league in favour of something they found more lucrative?
This is not even double standards, it is ridicule.
I think we have them worried lads. I do feel for those at the bottom – that’s one more club that will (hopefully) pull clear of the relegation zone to the detriment of those hovering in the vicinity.
dougie
Oct 8, 2021 at 9:56 PM
Comment #9Not sure about Couthino,Barcelona and Bayern aren’t bothered about him,I think zaha would be a better option.Manager wise I would stay away from Gerrard, as well as he’s doing up the road we need top flight proven experience in our new manager,it’s vital imo.
remember69
Oct 8, 2021 at 9:57 PM
Comment #10All this talk of signings – wouldn’t the new manager want to have a say in that? Perhaps already lined up or is Bruce handing over his wish-list?
Tsunki (Pokat)
Oct 8, 2021 at 9:57 PM
Comment #11There you go Jessie [The Wife] – change of name convention duly adopted
Hope nobody gets all niggley about it being unseemly ha ha ? ?
Don’t worry its a one off, everyone can stand down now…
?
Scythe For Bruce
Oct 8, 2021 at 9:57 PM
Comment #12Jail
(I’m assuming that’s you?) I wouldn’t take Gomez. He’s been plagued with injuries and that’s the last thing we need. Konate is a great defender and I can see him displacing Matip either this season or next, so Matip may want away. He’ll bring good experience with him at least.
chancel be a fine thing
Oct 8, 2021 at 9:57 PM
Comment #13Bring back Ashley!!! It’s taken me 2 days to catch up on the blog.
lochinvar
Oct 8, 2021 at 9:58 PM
Comment #14Doubt that Rafa has even been offered the job yet alone turned it down.
That’s all our yesterday’s and Amanda is no so naive as pander to that sort of stunt just impress some fans, certainly not the majority. She might have been courted and spoken with Rafa a d said thanks for the memories but we’re starting a new chapter.
Giving part time or media roles to Shearer or Keegan is plausible and good PR but no more than that.
Any new manager has to be the future vision of the club and that means younger, fitter, ambitious with experience.
That sounds like Conte to me or Rodgers.
Tsunki (Pokat)
Oct 8, 2021 at 9:58 PM
Comment #15:).
Optimistic prime
Oct 8, 2021 at 9:58 PM
Comment #16It’s a NO from me!
200k a week, he’s having a bubble bath.
Tsunki (Pokat)
Oct 8, 2021 at 9:59 PM
Comment #17Yep I’m not cut out for this any more…
😀
magscar
Oct 8, 2021 at 9:59 PM
Comment #18Seem to recall the last player we signed from a top Spanish club who had been highly regarded Liverpool player was a massive flop and still gives fans a rise in blood pressure
Couldn’t happen twice – i just hope not
Surely we are getting press looking around at fringe expendable squad players at other clubs and making up a connection
cleveleysbob
Oct 8, 2021 at 9:59 PM
Comment #19It seems the “other 19” clubs are angry that the PL didn’t give them a “heads up” on our deal.
Haven’t we been told over and over for the last 20 Months that this is a “confidential” process.
Amazing that clubs expect to kept up to date with another clubs confidential process, it’s hilarious. I would love the PL to tell them al, to F off and refer them to their rule book as they have to us for so long.
All clubs are signed up to the rules. So you can ALL go stuff yourselves, you weren’t complaining about any of the other billionaires buying into other clubs.
Abu Dhabi wealth fund – Man City
King Power owners – Leicester
Abramovich (crook) – Chelsea
Russian guy. – Everton and on and on, there was a rich Russian behind Arsenal before the Kronkes bought him out. The guys behind Liverpool aren’t short of a bob or 2.
The Glazers are bankrupt but of course will be protected by Chapter 11 in US.
We are just worth approx 10 x all of them added together, what’s the fuss??? 😆
chancel be a fine thing
Oct 8, 2021 at 10:00 PM
Comment #20No thanks to Coutinho, lazy and past his best.
chancel be a fine thing
Oct 8, 2021 at 10:01 PM
Comment #21Bruce had to go. Can’t have him spoiling the party.
chancel be a fine thing
Oct 8, 2021 at 10:04 PM
Comment #22Nice to see so many English football fans taking an interest in human rights all of a sudden even if their focus seems somewhat narrow.
Perhaps the could try weapons inspectors who got in the way of wars next.
lochinvar
Oct 8, 2021 at 10:04 PM
Comment #23Potentially who could fill the top 4 spots.
Man City (oh one club pet city allowed), Liverpool, Chelsea and in time Newcastle United
That makes Man U a busted flush, saddled in debt, shite owners, no Manager and Ronaldo in his bath chair. No wonder they’re soiling themselves.
%#%
Oct 8, 2021 at 10:04 PM
Comment #24I’d never heard of Vurnon Anita, but this bloke came on Total Sport one night who watched all the Ajax games on ESPN and absolutely raved about him, reminded me of Bobbybee before I even knew who Bobbybee was, that’s why for ages I had faith in Anita and thought he was dealt a bad hand as he was only bought thinking we’d sell sell Tiote or Cabaye, one of the only instances where we actually bought a replacement before a sale, the strategy was so flawed we didn’t end up selling either so the poor little footer was shoe horned in to central defence or wherever else was short. My point is that after watching that VDB a couple of times he would be absolutely perfect for us as the box to box MF we need.
magscar
Oct 8, 2021 at 10:07 PM
Comment #25Earlier today I was mentioning that all 19 other clubs and fans would be against us so not surprised at Guardian report
We have legally passed owners so are there PL rules under which clubs can vote out another one and if so on what grounds?
Magic number is 14 for other votes so wouldn’t be a problem if will and rules were there
Couldn’t happen could it
lochinvar
Oct 8, 2021 at 10:10 PM
Comment #26Cleveleysbob
Well Spurs knew because Masters had a cozy time with Levy last week and the Glasters certainly did because they suddenly offloaded £m of their shares knowing that they’d been found out and that the status quo was blown.
You can bet that the other slimy 4 had a heads up.
Not telliing the other clubs anything was par for the course. Nothing changed.
SholaShow
Oct 8, 2021 at 10:12 PM
Comment #27Don’t be silly.
A few clubs crying and Guardian making column inches out of it.
What are the ESL crooks Man United, Chelsea, Man City, Liverpool, Spurs and Arsenal going to accuse us of, ruining the league? 😆
magscar
Oct 8, 2021 at 10:12 PM
Comment #28Just mulling over the thought that if it did Saudis could afford to bankroll a new super league with us as founding members and others could be invited in to share the spoils 🙂
%#%
Oct 8, 2021 at 10:12 PM
Comment #29I’d also like to add that about a year ago I said a player like DVB would be a great signing for us under Rafa to a Manc fan at work, it caused a major repeat of that You Tube video of that hoarse voiced Manc outside of Old Trafford talking about Shearer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCtLw7uYhUc
😀
SholaShow
Oct 8, 2021 at 10:13 PM
Comment #30End of January.
Rodgers in charge
__________________Dubravka_______________
Manquillo_____Lascelles____Tarkowski___Chilwell
__________________Ndidi
______________Willock___Almiron
Raphina/Traore___________________________ASM
__________________Wilson
Dream the dream 😀
bettyswallocks
Oct 8, 2021 at 10:13 PM
Comment #31Tsunki………We’ve waited 14yrs for this moment with so much hatred, venom , frustration etc etc at what we were expected to endure that it’s just normal to join in now that the future looks bright.
Adaptability is required old son and although we’re all currently in a state of shock and disbelief things will becime fun again on here honestly.
%#%
Oct 8, 2021 at 10:15 PM
Comment #32Ha ha, Can you imagine if all 19 clubs threatened a breakaway league 😮
cleveleysbob
Oct 8, 2021 at 10:18 PM
Comment #33No problem old no name, we can buy enough teams to start our own premier league 😀
nufcursed
Oct 8, 2021 at 10:18 PM
Comment #34Guys,
Some thoughts:
– We must not get carried away too much. We still could be in a terrible position by the time we can add better players. We must hope that Bruce is gone soon so a new manager can try to fix things.
– Money doesn’t buy you instant success. It will take time for us to become a top club.
– Rafa won’t quit Everton so soon after signing a contract there I think. Besides, I believe we could go after a better manager now. Would love someone like Howe but understandably they’ll probably pick a bigger name. I’m very curious who they gonna choose.
– We still need a massive squad overhaul. We must get rid of at least 8 players (Ritchie, Clark, Fernandez, Shelvey, Krafth, Dummett, Hendrick, Gayle). This won’t be done in one transfer window.
SholaShow
Oct 8, 2021 at 10:18 PM
Comment #35I think the likes of Chelsea and Man City will actually welcome the challenge, it’s the old guard Man United, Liverpool, Arsenal that will be most up in arms and that pretender Spurs.
nufcursed
Oct 8, 2021 at 10:19 PM
Comment #36comment #32 if that happens we’re champions 😀
magscar
Oct 8, 2021 at 10:20 PM
Comment #37Shola
I was being little humorous but if they are so concerned are there rules under which members can be expelled?
I can’t see what the purpose of meeting is – to censure PL ?
If there are, rules, however tenuous, wouldn’t be surprised if legal eagles looked at possibility as there are maybe some of the 6 clubs futures at stake in year or so
Mind would be an enormous legal battle if they tried
chancel be a fine thing
Oct 8, 2021 at 10:23 PM
Comment #38Blog’s such a nice place now that Jail for Ashley fella has gone.
And welcome to new poster #%#, are you Prince, posting from beyond the grave by any chance?
cleveleysbob
Oct 8, 2021 at 10:23 PM
Comment #39Man City, Chelsea, Liverpool all seem to be sensibly financed and stable.
So are Leicester, Everton and Wolves.
Man U and Spurs look dodgy.
Arsenal would appear to be OK, but I’m not up to date with the finances of the Kronke’s.
What I do know for certain, is that if we are short of a couple of bob, then the Reubens are worth £18Billion as a pocket money back up!!! 😆
Wor B
Oct 8, 2021 at 10:25 PM
Comment #40%#%
The poster formerly known as Jail.
😆