The sensational, unlikely Brendan Rodgers reunion as Liverpool signing to be released

Celtic are prioritising quality in the attacking third as Brendan Rodgers looks to add to his side. The Irishman wants clinical, quality in the final third after seeing his side look pedestrian in the Scottish Cup Final in May.

The Scottish Champions have signed Kieran Tierney and Ross Doohan but attacking midfielder Benji Nygren has signed along with striker Callum Osmond from Fulham. There has been an update of a former Rodgers favourite at Liverpool looking like he could be available this summer as a free agent.

Birmingham Live reports that Philippe Coutinho could leave Aston Villa this summer despite having a year left on his deal. The 33-year-old has spent the last year on loan with Vasco da Gama; however, that deal is coming to an end with a return to Villa expected.

The report states that Coutinho and Villa are in discussions over ending his deal, which could free him up to make a move this summer. Before we go there, it is extremely unlikely given the impressive salary that Coutinho demands but it could make sense!

Signed from Inter Milan for just £8.5 million in January 2013, Coutinho arrived as a promising, lightweight talent. Under Rodgers’ stewardship, he evolved into one of Europe’s most electrifying midfielders.

Rodgers gave Coutinho what he needed most: belief and freedom. Playing him in a fluid attacking system alongside the likes of Luis Suárez, Daniel Sturridge, and Raheem Sterling, the Irish manager placed Coutinho at the creative heart of Liverpool’s attacking play. His incisive passing, vision, and long-range shooting are memorable during that period. The 2013–14 season saw Coutinho become pivotal in Liverpool’s near title-winning campaign, providing key assists and dictating tempo in the final third.

Though Coutinho would later earn a move to Barcelona for a headline-grabbing fee, he arguably never looked as happy or influential as he did under Rodgers. It is extremely unlikely that it would happen but what a move it would be to have someone like the Brazilian International turning out for Celtic.