Philippe Coutinho can revive career at Chelsea if Barcelona misfit completes transfer, says Brazil legend Rivaldo
PHILIPPE COUTINHO can get back to his best by leaving Barcelona and joining Chelsea, Brazil legend Rivaldo insists.
Frank Lampard's side are said to be "close" to agreeing a deal for the 27-year-old former Liverpool star.
Should the move get over the line then Lamps will be tasked with repairing a career that has stalled since the life-changing £142million move to the Nou Camp.
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Coutinho was shipped out to Bayern Munich on loan last summer and has not fulfilled the promise he showed at Anfield.
Still, a return to the Premier League could be just the shot in the arm he needs, according to fellow countryman Rivaldo.
The 2002 World Cup winner and Betfair ambassador said: "Looking at Coutinho's last few years we can say that he didn't achieved what was expected of him, but he is still has time to recover his best football and with his confidence back he could easily become the same player he was at Liverpool.
"I consider this to be just a not-so-good spell for him, but we can't say that he is playing poorly because it would be a lie, things are simply not running as well as many would expect when he left Liverpool to sign for Barcelona.
"He is still a regular in the Brazilian national team and just hasn't been lucky enough at Barcelona or Bayern.
"Perhaps that could change with a new club and I believe this would be a nice opportunity for him to get back to his best football at Chelsea.
"Furthermore, next year we'll have Copa America and one year later the World Cup, so it would be important for Coutinho to be playing at a good European club in order not to lose his place in the national team when those big tournaments come around."
Rivaldo, who made 157 appearances for Barca from 1997-2002, also believes a lack of "chemistry" can stop Coutinho from achieving all he wants in Spain.
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He added: "I still believe Coutinho will find his place at Barcelona if he had another chance next season, but that would only be possible if there was an agreement between the club and the player.
"Apparently, that is not the case and I suppose that one of the parties did not agree with that possibility. So, if there is no chemistry between both player and club then of course the best solution will be a transfer that we hope can benefit both parties.
"Essentially, when there are doubts or mistrust between parties then the better option will be the transfer, after all it seems that the relation between player and club is already worn."