‘I would be very hesitant to pick him up’ – Former Chelsea defender has doubts about ex-Liverpool star

Despite the Coronavirus putting a stop to football across Europe, it hasn’t stopped the transfer rumour mill continuing to spread speculation ahead of the summer transfer window.

Chelsea have been heavily linked with Barcelona’s Philippe Coutinho. The 27-year-old has spent this season on loan at Bayern Munich after a far from fruitful spell in La Liga.

Spanish publication, .Sport, are claiming Chelsea would like a similar deal to the one Bayern have. A loan deal with a fee of around €30m.

The Brazilian has appeared 22-times in Bundesliga action this season. Contributing eight-goals, and six-assists for the German giants.

However, former Chelsea defender, Frank Lebeouf doesn’t feel it would be a good move for Chelsea, questioning where the Brazilian would fit into Frank Lampard’s starting line-up.

Speaking to ESPN FC, the Frenchman said:

“I don’t know where his place would be. If I was the chairman, if I was the coach, I would be very hesitant to pick him up.”

The footballer turned actor, doesn’t believe Coutinho would offer anything special to the Blues squad, also questioning his form:

“Coutinho has been good with Liverpool, so far poor with Barcelona and Bayern Munich, I would have lots of question marks seeing him coming to Chelsea, to bring what?.”

The 52-year-old has no doubt Chelsea have enough quality in the squad without Coutinho, by adding:

“We have young players, very talented, who are very promising. We have good midfield players with Kovacic and Jorginho, to organise the game.”

Lebeouf has a point, but a loan deal would be low risk if Frank Lampard really wants him at Stamford Bridge. It’s obvious Barcelona would be happy to let him go, but would also want to recoup as much of the £105m they spent to buy the Brazilian from Liverpool two-years-ago.