Rivaldo endorses 'good option' Coutinho as Barcelona begin life without Neymar

Rivaldo endorses
'good option'
Coutinho as
Barcelona begin life
without Neymar
Rivaldo believes Barcelona are right in
attempting to spend some of their
Neymar money on Liverpool star Philippe
Coutinho.
34 min ago
Philippe Coutinho would be a good replacement for
Neymar at Barcelona, according to former Camp
Nou star Rivaldo.
The Liverpool attacking midfielder has reportedly
handed in a transfer request at Anfield after the
club made it clear they would not sell him to Barca,
who are seeking a replacement for Neymar.
Paris Saint-Germain paid a world-record
€222million to meet the Brazil forward's release
clause last week, a move Rivaldo hopes will
ultimately improve his old club's spirit and resolve.
Rivaldo believes Coutinho, 25, would be a good
addition and also feels some of the cash should be
used on another Brazilian target of Barcelona,
Guanghzou Evergrande midfielder Paulinho.
"Neymar has left for PSG but, despite his
importance to the team, I believe Barca will deal
with it," the former World Cup winner said to
Betfair.
"It could even reinforce team spirit, showing that
players can come and go, but Barca will stay at the
top.
"Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho could be a good
option to play at Neymar's position but former Spurs
man Paulinho could also be an important addition
at the centre of the pitch."
Ici Ces't Paris @PSG_inside
pic.twitter.com/7irDNakffZ
— Neymar Jr (@neymarjr) August 6, 2017
Rivaldo is in no doubt Neymar's desire to win the
Ballon d'Or played a part in his decision to leave
Barca.
He added: "It was a tough decision for [Neymar]
and his main objective - beside the financial
aspect, of course - is to become the best player in
the world, leaving his status as Lionel Messi's
shadow.
"For Barcelona, it's an important financial income
that allows them to breathe much easier and also to
try new signings."