Former Kop hero Michael Owen has backed Liverpool to hold on to Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho in the wake of consistent requests from Barcelona (Mirror). Owen feels that his former club can challenge for the Premier League title next season after avoiding a banana peel situation – something which Arsenal are currently facing with Alexis Sanchez.
One reason, he says, is because Liverpool have handed Coutinho a new deal at the start of the year. That deal commits the Brazilian playmaker to Anfield until 2022. The last Premier League title at Anfield was 17 seasons back in 1990 but the 37-year-old thinks that the Reds will be a definite title-challenger with Coutinho in the side.
He feels that we have done an amazing piece of business with Coutinho, by comparing to the unrest currently happening at the Emirates with Sanchez. As quoted by the Mirror, Owen said:
“Liverpool did a amazing bit of business by signing Coutinho to a new contract, especially when you look at Sanchez and Arsenal and the problems it’s causing around the club.
“Since Coutinho signed the new contract Liverpool have qualified for the Champions League, bought more quality players and are in a better place than they’ve been for a long time.”
Champions League Is A Plus Too!
One more glue for the player is the return of Champions League to Anfield – one of the best stadiums to play in the midweek on a European night. Coutinho would love to soak that feeling and the chances of staying back could be more tempting, than leaving.
I say that in the wake of unrest at Barcelona. Agreed that they are one of the best clubs with one of the best players in Lionel Messi. But, a new coach in Ernesto Valverde and an uncharted territory with the sale of Neymar – there are too many ‘ifs-and-buts’ now at the Camp Nou.
Recent reports indicate that Barcelona will push for the 25-year-old as a replacement for Neymar who has asked to leave the club. Liverpool are under no pressure to sell and that is always a happy position to be in.
We Should Resist All Bids
That’s only one side of the story and I am sure that Barcelona want to make Coutinho their top priority this summer after Neymar’s exit. Though Klopp has warned Barcelona to “save their energy” and not come for Coutinho, the Catalans could come back with larger bids.
Unless the player throws a tantrum and demands an exit, I strongly feel that we can resist any bid. And as Owen has said, our position is secure in this saga – at least for now.
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