Paulinho: 'Philippe Coutinho would be a great signing for Barcelona'

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 20 December 2017

Paulinho: 'Coutinho would be a great signing'

Paulinho says that speculation linking Philippe Coutinho with Barcelona is to be expected, as he backs his international teammate to make the switch from Liverpool.

Barcelona midfielder Paulinho has urged Brazil teammate Philippe Coutinho to join him at Camp Nou and make a great team even better.

Fresh reports have emerged in Spain suggesting that a £132m deal has been agreed between Liverpool and Barca for the midfield playmaker, possibly bringing an end to the long-running saga in the next fortnight.

Coutinho has been in inspired form for the Reds once again since shaking off a minor back complaint, netting his 10th goal of the season in the 4-0 win over Bournemouth last time out, and Paulinho believes that his compatriot can provide something different if he makes the switch.

"I've already talked a few times about the Coutinho question," he told reporters. "Everyone expects the great players to come to Barcelona, we have a very strong group of great players, without Coutinho people are doing a great job.

"On Coutinho it is not necessary to say much; he is a great player, who has been making a difference in his team, in the Brazilian team, he is young but with experience in Europe.

"I want him to come, I think it would be a great signing for Barca. It would be a great happiness for me, because we would have another great player and another Brazilian."

Former Liverpool teammate Luis Suarez also called on Coutinho to make the move to Catalonia earlier this week.