Days After Bagging Luis Suarez, Inter Miami Eye Philippe Coutinho to Join Lionel Messi: Reports

Turns out, it was wrong to think David Beckham was done hosting Inter Miami’s Barcelona reunion with Luis Suarez’s signing. Weeks after reuniting Suarez with Lionel Messi, the Herons now mull pursuing former Blaugrana star Philippe Coutinho. Coutinho has played alongside Messi in Barcelona, and Suarez in both Liverpool and Barcelona. Therefore, if things go well, the Brazilian’s services in midfield will further bolster Miami as MLS’ most ruthless attacking force.

If Coutinho was to switch to the Herons, he would be the fifth ex-Barcelona player to do so. Inter Miami being home to Blaugrana icons is as never-ending a saga as the Kylian Mbappe-Real Madrid saga.

Inter Miami interested in breaking Coutinho’s 4-year deal with Aston Villa

Though Philippe Coutinho’s reunion with Lionel Messi looks plausible, the MLS side is not the only one eyeing the former’s services. According to transfer market expert Ekrem Konur, certain Turkish League clubs and Inter Miami are interested in signing Coutinho. The 31-year-old is currently playing for Qatar’s Al Duhail on a loan from Aston Villa. The Premier League side and the Brazilian had inked a four-year deal in 2022. Considering they loaned him out the next year itself, they could mutually agree with the star to terminate his contract.

Furthermore, the current Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is unlikely to reintegrate Coutinho into the squad after his loan tenure ends. This is perhaps because the star midfielder has not been at his best in Qatar. However, considering his prior experience with Barcelona stars, he could get a much-needed amp-up in Inter Miami. Even so, joining David Beckham’s team is not without any costs.

Philippe Coutinho could earn less if he reunites with Lionel Messi

Coutinho currently has a market value between $7 million and $12 million. But a reunion with Lionel Messi won’t see him inking a deal anywhere close to his value. Similar to Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba, their former Blaugrana mate will also perhaps take a pay cut if he joins Inter Miami. There is no room left for a new Designated Player. Apart from Messi and Sergio Busquets, the Herons also houses Brazilian star Gregore as a DP. Per the MLS rule, DP’s don’t come under any club’s salary cap and can draw a significantly large paycheck.

READ MORE: Luis Suarez’s Reunion With Lionel Messi Was a ‘Reasonable Step’, Asserts Insider [Exclusive]

If Coutinho was to enjoy that privilege, Miami would probably have to compromise on Gregore. Well, they did not do that for the legendary Suarez. Hence, MLS buffs will have to wait and see if the Brazilian gives in. But that is not a distant dream considering Beckham’s charm to bring in players, and the allure of pairing with the great Lionel Messi.

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