Liverpool have refused to be drawn into any kind of deal with Barcelona for Phillipe Coutinho – not even player-plus-cash, according to reports from Liverpool Echo. The Catalans will have money to burn from Neymar’s deal and they remain interested in our Brazilian playmaker. Earlier this summer, there were reports that a £72million bid for the player was rejected by the Reds (Telegraph).
With Neymar closer than ever to the exit door, reports from Spain suggested that Liverpool may be interested in the deal if Barcelona midfielders Rafinha or Andre Gomes are included. But, the Anfield chiefs feel that neither of these players is an upgrade on the current squad, the Echo claims.
The 25-year-old was courted by Barcelona long before Neymar’s PSG pursuit as they view him as a long-term midfield replacement. However, Anfield officials are adamant that there won’t be a deal for Coutinho this summer. Coutinho is a key player for Klopp and scored 14 goals last season, leading the club back to Champions League. He signed a five-year deal with the club in January and looks settled under Klopp.
The manager has, at various times, reiterated that the player is not available for sale. That should keep the chasing clubs at arm’s length. As quoted by ESPN, Klopp said:
“I can understand that Coutinho is so highly rated, but they can save their energy.”
Will Coutinho Do A Suarez?
There is doubt among a section of fans that Coutinho may still leave the club this summer ala Luis Suarez – ironically to Barcelona. For me, this fear is baseless because the transfer tactics of Barcelona have been rudimentary. The Catalans may be one of the biggest clubs in world football but this transfer window has been a huge disaster.
Neymar is on the verge of leaving the club and although they are selling him at a world-record fee, they would prefer having the player and not the money. Sadly, for their fans, even the ones who expressed a desire to join them, look unattainable.
All said and done, with Neymar’s money in hand, they may come with a near-£100million bid for Coutinho. Will the Reds cave in, if such a huge offer comes? Considering how close we are to the start of the season, I doubt if this would materialise.
What do you think? Will Barca keep coming with larger offers? Or will the ‘not-for-sale’ stance shut them once for all?
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