Why Barcelona Gave Coutinho The Number 14 Shirt, And Not 7
REUTERS/Albert Gea
Barcelona have confirmed that Philippe Coutinho will be assigned the No.14 jersey at Camp Nou after his stunning move from Liverpool.
The Brazil international became Barca’s new recording signing after making a £140 million move from Merseyside earlier this month. But until now, the new arrival has not made his debut, nor had he chosen his kit number.
And since Javier Mascherano’s departure to China has been recently confirmed by the Catalans, Coutinho has secured the number the Argentine had been sporting for over 7 years, whilst also following in the footsteps of legendary names like Johan Cruyff, Thierry Henry, and Gerard Lopez, to name a few.
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However, the former Liverpool talisman was widely expected to don the No. 7 shirt instead, which has now led many to believe a move for Antoine Griezmann might just be over the horizon.
The Frenchman has sported the same number throughout his whole career, justifying the speculation. And Griezmann’s rather surprising links with a big money move to Catalonia, which got popular not long ago, have only added weight to the case.
On the other hand, the Blaugrana have denied any illegal approach or agreement between the club and the player, though that would hardly be surprising, considering how often transfers are kept shady and secretive.
Maybe the Clues will see their legendary No. 7 jersey worn by someone again, and maybe it could be the Atletico Madrid star, whose release clause falls down to a reported £88 million in the summer.
Written by Ashish Sreejith 
Have had two addictions in life- playing football and watching football. Usually described as introverted but not when it comes to speaking and writing about the beautiful game of football.