Coentrão On His Way Out? Real Madrid & Liverpool Pressing

Fabio Coentrão is the latest of Portugal's gems to attract interest amongst many of Europe's top clubs. A speedy and tricky player, Coentrão had initially played as a winger until SL Benfica manager Jorge Jesus encouraged the youngster to try-out the LB slot. The rest as we say is history and after an impressive 2 seasons, which saw him having earned a starting spot on the Portuguese National team, has led him to become one of Europe's most wanted players.

His Story

When you watch Fabio Coentrão play, you immediately begin to wonder how he'll fit into a Portuguese National side who already have the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani occupying the wings; you then realize that he is playing from quite a withdrawn position on the pitch. Like many defensive wide players, Coentrão was once a natural left winger and a pretty good one who showed off his flair for Portugal at the 2007 FIFA Youth World Cup. It was there that SL Benfica decided to pounce on the youngster along with fellow World Cup performers Adu (USA) and Angel di Maria (Argentina). The latter would serve to be his rival at the spot although one would assume that Benfica had intended for di Maria to occupy that position after paying for his transfer. 


Anyhow, di Maria would emerge as Benfica's starter on the left flank and while di Maria was having plenty of time to grow into the role as a starter, Coentrão found himself on the outside of the squad. By January of 2008, Coentrão found himself loaned out to another Portuguese out-fit Nacional and by the beginning of the 2008-2009 season, he was in Spain playing for 2nd division club Real Zaragoza. Things could not have gotten worse in Spain and after a series of lack-luster displays, he returned to Portugal but this time was sent to Rio Ave for the remainder of the season. At this point, Coentrão seemed to be heading down a path that many promising Portuguese youngsters had unfortunately met. 

Coentrão (black) seen here playing for Nacional and being marked by Quaresma (white) of FC Porto.

It was then at the start of the 2009-2010 season where Fabio Coentrão's fortunes seemingly began to change. SL Benfica had appointed former SC Braga manager Jorge Jesus as their new manager and the Portuguese tactician made the youngster clear that he was part of his plans. Coentrão began serving as a substitute in matches for di Maria until Jesus made what could have been perhaps the best decision of his time up until now with "Os Encarnados". Jesus was impressed with Coentrão's abilities and work ethic but knew very well that he couldn't drop di Maria who was also performing extraordinarily. Jesus approached Coentrão with the idea of playing LB which was when the youngster demonstrated his desire succeed by accepting the proposal. Coentrão would go on to make several appearances during the first half of the season until fully claiming the slot in the second part of it assisting Benfica to their 1st Portuguese title since 2005.


His hard-work would not go unnoticed as Portuguese National Team manager Carlos Queiroz summoned the youngster and placed him on Portugal's 2010 FIFA World Cup roster. Coentrão would go on to become Portugal's starting LB at the 2010 FIFA World Cup where he was seen as one of the bright spots in Portugal's otherwise maligned campaign which saw them lose to eventual Champions Spain in the second round. 

Coentrão went from being a substitute for 2nd division Spanish side Real Zaragoza to Portugal's starting LB.

Possible Suitors 

It seems clear, for the moment being that is, that Real Madrid and Liverpool are the 2 clubs putting up SL Benfica's desired fee along with grabbing the player's interest. Coentrão has stated his desire to remain with Benfica especially after signing an extension until 2016; however, it will be hard for Benfica to resist big money and also for Coentrão an opportunity to play and get paid by a one of these clubs. 

Liverpool have reportedly amassed a bid worth £25million which would do well in tempting Benfica. Liverpool's new owners have up until now held up on their promise to spend for the club as in January we saw them bring in the likes of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll. However, they're receiving some stiff competition from Real Madrid who may very well hold the keys to this deal.

Argentine defender Garay may be the key to Real Madrid capturing Coentrão.

Real Madrid are reportedly offering a little less but are willing to give up the services of Argentine CB Garay as part of the package. This deal seems to be more attractive to Benfica as the exit of David Luiz in January has proven to be one of the team's defensive woes as Sidnei and Jardel have been unable to successfully fill the void. Benfica would still have to get the go ahead from Coentrão, who would most likely be more enticed to join Real Madrid than Liverpool. Real Madrid's Portuguese contingent would be the primary factor in enticing Coentrão considering the likes of Jose Mourinho, Ricardo Carvalho, Pepe and Cristiano Ronaldo being present at the club. Let's also not forget that Coentrão's former teammate di Maria is also on Real Madrid. 

So if the money is right, I'd put my chips on Coentrão joining Real Madrid. Mourinho once said that Coentrão was not needed considering his likeness to Marcelo and the price being put on him, but something over the past season has convinced Mourinho to rethink what he said.