Newcastle United appointing Mauricio Pochettino would increase Philippe Coutinho transfer chances

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Newcastle United have been linked with a move for Philippe Coutinho in recent weeks. The news was first reported by Metropoles in Brazil, who called the Brazilian talent a ‘dream’ signing. Coutinho is out of favour at Barcelona and loan club Bayern Munich, with SPORT reporting earlier this month that the 27-year-old could be available for just €90 million (£78.5m).

The Express has also since covered the story and it appears Coutinho could be an option for Newcastle. 

He is not the only big name being linked with Newcastle. Several high-profile managers have been linked with the job. As reported by Sky Sports this week, Mauricio Pochettino is the club’s number one choice with a returning Rafa Benitez the back–up option. 

Of course, Benitez’s relationship with Coutinho is well-known from the pair’s time together at Inter Milan. 

But Pochettino would also be a massive lure for the Barcelona star. 

Pochettino actually managed Coutinho at Espanyol, during which time the Brazilian shined. He was on loan from Inter Milan at the time and it was this stint in Spain that truly kick-started his European career. 

In January 2013, Pochettino tried to sign him permanently. The Argentine was at Southampton at the time. As the club’s chairman at the time Nicola Cortese told talkSPORT, Southampton narrowly missed out on the player after Liverpool swooped in. As reported by The Sun, a £10.3 million deal had been agreed before Coutinho learned of the Anfield interest. 

In fact, as reported by The Mirror, Pochettino stated in 2013 that Coutinho has ‘special magic’ in his feet, comparing him to Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho.

 “As with most Brazilians, Philippe has a special magic in his feet. He has that same quality as Ronaldinho and Messi.

“Aside from the magic that he has, he also has an amazing work rate and that makes us doubt whether he fits the mould of a typical Brazilian player or a European one because his work ethic is outstanding.”

Pochettino, according to reports, even tried to reunite with Coutinho at Tottenham. As reported by The Sun, the Argentine was ‘left fuming’ after Spurs failed to secure the Brazilian on loan from Barca last summer. 

Now, 12 months down the line, he might get another chance to sign him but in completely different circumstances on Tyneside.