Both Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez reportedly want Philippe Coutinho to replace Ousmane Dembele as the third member of their side’s attack.
This is according to Diario Gol, who note that Messi doesn’t think Dembele is at the level where he deserves to start up front for the Blaugrana, and that his ideal forward line would see him line-up next to Suarez and Coutinho.
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The report also notes that Suarez is also a fan of seeing Coutinho help Messi and himself lead the line for Barca, news that surely won’t be good for Dembele to hear.
Messi and Suarez wanting Dembele out of the team is a bit harsh given the youngster has only spent a year at the Nou Camp.
The Frenchman, who joined from Borussia Dortmund last summer, struggled to maintain a place in the club’s first team last season, something that was mainly down to injury problems.
Coutinho, however, thoroughly impressed during his time in Catalonia so far despite the fact he only joined the club from Liverpool in January.
The former Reds star bagged 10 goals and six assists in 22 games in all competitions to help Ernesto Valverde’s side secured yet another La Liga and Copa Del Rey double.
Only time will tell if Messi and Suarez get their wish, something that we’re sure Dembele himself certainly doesn’t want to see granted.