Dani Alves backs Philippe Coutinho for Barcelona switch

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 04 June 2016

Philippe Coutinho "has the quality to play for Barcelona", according to Brazil teammate Dani Alves, who has spent eight years at Camp Nou.

Dani Alves has claimed that Brazil teammate Philippe Coutinho "should consider" leaving Liverpool in order to play for one of Europe's elite sides, having been tipped for a switch to Barcelona in the past.

The 23-year-old enjoyed another impressive season at Anfield last time out, scoring 12 goals in 38 appearances and laying on a further seven for others.

Despite signing a new long-term deal at Liverpool last year - which is expected to run until 2020 - Coutinho has been repeatedly linked with a move away from the club in recent times, with Paris Saint-Germain the latest rumoured suitors.

Alves, who will depart Barcelona this summer after eight years at Camp Nou, has now urged his countryman to contemplate a change of surroundings.

"Football is about living the moment," he told Yahoo Esportes. "Liverpool have history but you should consider playing for top UCL sides. He has the quality to play for Barcelona."

Alves's comments echo those of Neymar, who also suggested last year that Coutinho would fit in well at Catalan giants Barcelona.