Lionel Messi is gone and with that the legendary number 10 at FC Barcelona became free. Now she is apparently supposed to take over Philippe Coutinho.
FC Barcelona have not yet awarded Lionel Messi’s number 10 after his move to Paris Saint-Germain. But now Philippe Coutinho of all people should wear the jersey with the important number.
Like the Barcelona-based sports newspaper Sports world reported Coutinho has been offered by Barca to take over number 10 at the Catalans. So, of all people, the Brazilian, who is considered a sales candidate and has so far been rather poor performance for the Spanish top club.
The 29-year-old asked for time to think it over, the report says. The offensive player from Rio de Janeiro, who was loaned to FC Bayern in 2019/2020, does not have a real alternative. In the Primera Division, players are only allowed to wear the numbers 1 to 25 and the remaining 24 numbers are used in Barcelona.
As a reminder: Coutinho already wore the number 10 in Munich and during his time at Liverpool FC.
Coutinho apparently earns € 12m at Barca
It is still uncertain whether the Brazilian will stay at Barca. Clubs that want to sign the 63-time Selecao kicker are in any case dependent on the player’s concession. His salary, which is said to be 12 million euros net per year in Barcelona, hardly wants and can hardly be paid by any other club.
Coutinho moved from Liverpool to Spain in 2018 and is under contract in Barcelona until 2023. Last season, Coutinho played 14 competitive games in which he scored three goals and prepared two more goals.
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
