Chelsea are being continuously linked with a move for Barcelona forward Philippe Coutinho after his disappointing spell in Spain. Coutinho has played a bit-part role with the Bundesliga champions, and the Blues are being reportedly one of the teams looking at taking him for next season.
It’s more likely that if the Blues do pursue him, then it would be a loan deal with an option to buy, rather than a long-term initial deal. But which numbers would be available for Coutinho to take should he arrive at Stamford Bridge?
No. 6: Danny Drinkwater has been taking the number six number recently, but he has been out on loan to Burnley and Aston Villa and is unlikely to be part of the future plans.
No. 10: This number could be hot property once again this summer if Willian does leave the club when his contract runs out. Coutinho would want it, however Callum Hudson-Odoi, Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic could all lay claim to taking it.
No. 11: Another number which might be free is Pedro’s number 11, with the Spaniard another set to leave when his contract expires. However, once again it’s a number which would be hot property for the Blues players.
No. 14: That number has been Tiemoue Bakayoko’s since joining the club, however with a couple of loan spells away it should be free. The midfielder is unlikely to be part of Lampard’s plans, so Coutinho could take the shirt.
No. 16: Kenedy is another player whose future will likely be away from Chelsea, having been on loan this season with Getafe. If Coutinho does want to move to Chelsea, it’s unlikely that he will want to have the number 16 shirt.