Frank McAvennie reacts as Barcelona reportedly offer Philippe Coutinho to West Ham
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie is unsure that West Ham can afford to sign Philippe Coutinho after reports that Barcelona have offered him to the Irons.
The Mirror [Print edition, 15/08/21] claimed last week that the La Liga giants had tasked Coutinho’s agent Kia Joorabchian with speaking to David Moyes’ side over a loan move where Barcelona would foot 40% of his £7.7million-a-year wages.
However, speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, ex-Irons forward McAvennie has expressed doubts over the 29-year-old’s affordability while maintaining his desire for Jesse Lingard to sign on a permanent basis.
“I don’t think West Ham will pay his kind of wages,” McAvennie said.
“I think he’s a decent player, if West Ham can’t get Lingard then fine.
“It’s a hell of a wage he’s on but it’s not his fault, that’s on Barcelona for paying that kind of wage.
“He’s keen to come back to England, I would imagine.”
West Ham Zone View
This is a difficult one.
On the one hand, the Brazilian is a Premier League proven player who established himself as one of the best creative talents in European football during his time on Merseyside.
However, he has endured a rotten couple of years at Barcelona despite claiming two La Liga titles.
His time at Barcelona has also included a season-long loan at Bayern Munich where, although he won the Bundesliga and Champions League, he failed to reignite his career.
Coutinho is 30 next year and while he’s never been someone to rely on his physique, the injuries are beginning to mount up and there are some doubts over his fitness and durability now.
Whether he would fit into our system and style of play also has to be questioned as he is not as mobile and aggressive as someone like Lingard.
We’d rather take Coutinho than no one, but it should be a signing that is firmly on the back burner.
In other West Ham news, a Sky Sports pundit admits shock over £25m Irons report amid major Premier League development.
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