5 potential new ‘Galactico’ signings at Real Madrid

1. Philippe Coutinho

The Brazilian playmaker is fast becoming a genuine world beater, thanks to a sublime rise at Liverpool, particularly in the last couple of years.

When he arrived from Inter in January 2013, he was a relative unknown and while his talent was raw, it was definitely evident. There was a reason he cost less than $15million, though, and he had to prove himself after struggling with life at the San Siro.

After a slow start at Anfield, he hit his stride in his first full season under Brendan Rodgers. Alongside Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling, the 24-year-old was a driving force in the Reds’ closest title challenge in a long time in 2013/14. In the end, Liverpool finished second behind Manchester City.

Coutinho has gone from strength to strength since, despite the team facing problems. The sales of Suarez and Sterling, to Barcelona and City respectively, as well as serious injuries to Sturridge, left them struggling and Rodgers was replaced by Jurgen Klopp in 2015.

Under the German, there is a new lease of life at Anfield. The man at the very centre of it is Coutinho, particularly this season, with another challenge for the Premier League very much possible.

With great form, the rumours come. Real have been heavily linked with a move for him in the past, while Barcelona are also lingering. The presence of Suarez and Coutinho’s international teammate Neymar at the Camp Nou may make the Catalans favourites for his signature, but Real Madrid will arguably have greater need in the coming years.

While it is hard for anyone to ignore either of the Spanish giants, it is not a given that the player would want to leave Liverpool right now. Klopp has something great brewing on Merseyside, meaning any move for Coutinho would take mega financial power. Fortunately for Real Madrid, that is hardly an issue.