A €135 Million Transfer: The Downfall of Coutinho?

This summer’s Euro and Copa America tournaments have become stages for football stars to showcase their talents. Yet, some players find themselves wandering between Europe and South America. At 34, Mario Balotelli is well-known as a journeyman, but another former market darling, Philippe Coutinho, has returned to his homeland of Brazil in despair. While Balotelli managed 7 goals in 16 appearances in the Turkish league, Coutinho, who initially retired in Asia, hasn’t quite displayed his expected dominance. With 7 goals and 3 assists in 22 appearances, his performance is decent but far from the expectations set by his €135 million transfer fee and the level of Asian football. Coutinho's decline has been swift.

A Humble Return to Brazil

In this backdrop of reunions, Coutinho naturally expressed his joy at returning to Brazil, saying he felt "very happy and honored to be back." He had joined Vasco da Gama's youth academy at age 7 and made his professional debut at 17. Although the Brazilian second division title may seem modest, Coutinho displayed remarkable talent during his two incomplete seasons. Notably, his finesse, honed in futsal, earned him high praise, which led Inter Milan to pay €4 million for the 18-year-old prodigy.

Early Career and Initial Struggles

Coutinho, a member of the illustrious 1992 golden generation, didn't thrive in Italy. His record of 2 goals and 3 assists in 27 matches over two seasons at Inter left doubts about then-coach Rafael Benitez's vision, who had claimed, "He is the future of Inter." A loan move to Espanyol was a logical step, providing Coutinho with a buffer to rediscover his form. In Spain, he regained his joy, with notable improvements in his statistics and earning accolades for his "sacrificial spirit."

Finding His Feet at Liverpool

Returning to Inter was part of the plan, but the pressure of playing for a top club often hinders the development of young talent. A transfer to Liverpool seemed to be the solution. Then-Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers felt as if he had struck gold: "I knew about him since he was 15 playing in Brazil. I’m excited to help him grow; he has great potential." Though Rodgers didn’t fully enjoy the rewards, it was under Jurgen Klopp that Coutinho truly thrived. In Klopp’s heavy metal football, Coutinho flourished, creating memorable moments like his long-range goals.

The Move to Barcelona

During his peak, Italian media criticized Inter for their poor judgment, while Liverpool believed Coutinho was their future. However, Coutinho longed to fulfill his "Barça dream," despite Klopp’s heartfelt attempts to keep him. When Coutinho resolutely rejected Klopp’s vision for Liverpool’s revival, Klopp could only console himself by saying, "This is football."

In reality, Coutinho was merely a key player in Klopp’s tactics, not the soul of Liverpool. The Reds proved resilient, winning both the Premier League and the Champions League in Coutinho’s absence, a stark reminder of his lost opportunity. As rumors about Mohamed Salah's potential transfer grew, Coutinho was often cited as a cautionary tale: "Some players don't fare well after leaving Liverpool; Coutinho is one of them."

Struggles at Barcelona

At Barcelona, Coutinho’s position clashed with Lionel Messi's, limiting his impact. His notable contributions, such as scoring in El Clásico, were rare. Tactically sidelined, Coutinho often found himself playing out of position as a striker. His recurring injuries further strained his performance, and Spanish media continually scrutinized his hefty transfer fee. As Barcelona’s internal turmoil grew, Coutinho became a prime target for criticism, with both Liverpool and Barcelona fans expressing their discontent on social media.

A Brief Resurgence at Bayern Munich

A loan move to Bayern Munich offered a lifeline. The €20 million loan fee and €12 million annual salary reflected the German club’s sincerity. Coutinho revived his form, scoring hat-tricks and winning monthly awards, amassing 11 goals and 9 assists in 38 matches. Crucially, he secured a treble, ironically shining against Barcelona in the Champions League. However, Bayern opted not to exercise the €120 million purchase option, with Karl-Heinz Rummenigge bluntly stating, "He played well in a few games but struggled in most."

Return to Barcelona and Further Decline

Barcelona, eager to offload him, saw Coutinho return amid criticism. His time on the bench became routine, and multiple knee surgeries further hampered his comeback. With his talent overshadowed and body battered, his relationship with Barcelona seemed a doomed union.

Attempted Revival at Aston Villa

When Aston Villa proposed a loan, Coutinho saw it as an escape. His savior, former teammate Steven Gerrard, offered a glimmer of hope. Scoring against Manchester United within 14 minutes of his debut appeared to be a fresh start. However, Villa’s unexpected struggles meant Gerrard couldn’t shield him for long. Unai Emery’s appointment extinguished Coutinho’s revival, with the Brazilian frequently benched. Emery’s tactics had no place for an attacking midfielder, and Villa’s resurgence contrasted with Coutinho’s dwindling prospects. Criticized for "laziness" and "lack of effort," his omission from the Brazil squad was a minor blow compared to his uncertain future.

A Disappointing Stint in Qatar

In Qatar, Coutinho's stint lacked the freedom and form he once knew. Reflecting on his tumultuous journey, he may wonder if his move to Barcelona was a mistake. As he dons the Al-Duhail jersey, he often longs for the simplicity of his early days at Vasco da Gama. However, even there, he faces uncertainty, with former fans potentially becoming his critics if things don’t go as hoped.