Coutinho Set To Take Over Lionel Messi’s Iconic #10 Jersey
On the back of Lionel Messi’s Odyssey from Barcelona, a host of supporters have demanded that his legendary no. 10 would be retired. By La Liga’s laws, this would be impossible. The recently released squad list has shown that some jersey numbers have been switched around, one of which belongs to Philippe Coutinho.
Rey Manaj has been promoted to the first team, and he has taken the Brazilian’s #14. Naturally, only the numbers 8, taken by Miralem Pjanic, Messi’s former 10, and 25, are still available. As per ESPN journalist Jordi Blanco, Coutinho is the player set to inherit Messi’s iconic 10 jersey.
This is one he is fairly familiar with. In Liverpool, the former red donned the same jersey number, one he might end up taking up unless Miralem Pjanic makes an exit. He also wore it in his one year stint at Bayern Munchen during their treble-winning campaign under Hansi Flick.
In and of itself Coutinho’s absence from the squad is quite peculiar. He might be injured, and that is why he missed the preseason matches. At the same time, Barcelona could be looking to offload him to another club.
This is something they have been planning on doing for most of the transfer window, and it would come as no surprise.
Coutinho has been battling injury and inconsistency from the moment he arrived at the club. Last season, the Brazilian featured in only 12 La Liga games with the Catalan club, often coming from the bench.
He has been off duty for the better part of this season, and was not expected to play, as certain rumours linked him with a move back to Liverpool not too long ago. The club has and will be making their best efforts to part ways with him if the possibility arises.
