Philippe Coutinho may reject return to the Premier League ‘for fear of his safety’

Philippe Coutinho could refuse a return to the Premier League for fear of his safety and that of his family.

That’s according to Darren Bent, who is not convinced that the former Liverpool midfielder signs for Everton when the transfer window reopens.

Coutinho completed a £ 142 million transfer to Barcelona in 2018, but was deemed to be in excess of the requirements at the end of the season and was sent on loan to Bayern Munich.

The German giants have the option to sign Coutinho permanently for £ 110 million when the season finally comes to an end.

But the Bundesliga club has no plans to activate this clause, which means that Coutinho’s future is the subject of much speculation.

A large number of Premier League clubs have emerged as possible destinations for Coutinho, with Chelsea and Everton at the front of the line to catch the Brazilian.

But former Sunderland and Aston Villa striker Bent believes Coutinho would reject a move to the Toffees for fear of his family’s safety.

Bent told Football Insider: “I’m not sure if that is going to happen.”

“Coutinho, I feel a little sorry for Coutinho because I feel like they are handing him over, offering him to the left, right and center clubs.”

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“This is a guy with a lot of quality. He has gone to Barcelona, ​​maybe it doesn’t fit the way they want to play, which is quite surprising.”

“If Everton can catch him, I’m not sure he’s going there, just for the safety of his family and stuff. I’m not sure it’s the right thing to do, but if they can catch him, it would be great signing. I can see him go somewhere else.” .