If stars align, Liverpool should consider re-signing Philippe Coutinho

Back in January 2013, Liverpool signed Philippe Coutinho from Inter Milan for a transfer fee of €13 million.

The midfielder was a bit of a unknown quantity when he arrived at Anfield. However, it was very clear from early on that the Reds had signed a player of immense quality.

Between January-May 2013, Coutinho scored three goals and registered seven assists in 13 Premier League appearances.

Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard was full of praise for the Brazil international at the conclusion of the 2012-13 campaign.

"He's got moments of magical brilliance," the Scouser told Goal.

"I think you'll see the best of him next season when he gets a full pre-season under his belt and gets used to the speed of the game.

"What he has shown is that he's a top player and he belongs in a Liverpool shirt. If we can get that for 90 minutes from him next season then he's going to be a great asset for us."

Gerrard was spot on in the end. Coutinho continued to improve and was certainly one of Liverpool's better players between 2013-18.

The midfielder found the back of the net 54 times and registered 45 assists in 201 appearances for the club's first-team.

However, things ended sourly for Coutinho at Liverpool. The midfielder engineered a move to Barcelona during the 2018 January transfer window.

Liverpool received a transfer fee of €135 million for the sale of Coutinho. He was as ready as he could be to make the move to Spain.

But, things simply did not work out for Coutinho at Barcelona. The 29-year-old was even loaned out to Bayern Munich for the 2019-20 campaign.

Before Coutinho departed Liverpool, Reds boss Jurgen Klopp did warn him that he could be making a mistake.

As quoted by talkSPORT, Klopp advised Coutinho the following back in May 2017: “Stay here and they will end up building a statue in your honour.

“Go somewhere else, to Barcelona, to Bayern Munich, to Real Madrid, and you will be just another player. Here you can be something more.”

It had been clear for quite some time that Coutinho needed to depart Barcelona. With that being the case, Gerrard's Aston Villa made a move for the midfielder back in January.

Coutinho joined the Villans on a six-month loan contract. The Brazilian has started superbly for his new club.

Coutinho has scored two goals and secured two assists in four appearances for Aston Villa.

“He seems happy, we have given the stage to go and enjoy his football again," Gerrard recently told the Mirror.

“His vision and his awareness, if you don’t love watching that you should stop watching football.”

Coutinho has shown that he is still capable of playing in the Premier League. Therefore, we would not be against Liverpool making a move for the midfielder.

As we have already pointed out, Coutinho is only 29 years of age. His career is far from finished.

Coutinho will return to Barcelona at the conclusion of the 2021-22 campaign. Aston Villa do have the option to buy the Brazil international for a reported transfer fee of £33 million.

But, if Coutinho and the Villans do part ways come the summer, Liverpool should at least entertain the idea of re-signing him.

Coutinho would certainly add depth and quality to the club's midfield. He also appears to be available for a reasonable transfer fee.

It would be unreal to see Coutinho creating chances for the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz.

But, only time will tell if we are to see that happen.