It was the story of the summer transfer window. Barcelona’s pursuit of Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho went on until the deadline day. Thanks to our stubbornness, the Brazilian midfielder is still with us.
Latest reports from Spanish outlet Don Balon indicate that Coutinho is now angry with the Catalans for their botched up chase and failing to follow through with their promises made during this transfer window.
The pursuit was a long-drawn one, with Barcelona throwing enormous bids and Liverpool rejecting them outright. Coutinho was the subject of three failed bids from the La Liga giants with the last one as high as £118million.
The 25-year-old is now unhappy with Barcelona who couldn’t take him off the books of the Reds. Coutinho did his part by pushing for a move and submitting a transfer request. It is another matter that even a transfer request couldn’t push the Liverpool hierarchy towards a sale.
It’s also reported that Coutinho could make things difficult for Barcelona if they choose to come back for his signature in January or the next summer. The playmaker is back training with the club and although the media indicate his sulkiness at missing out on the transfer, there is nothing on display yet.
Throughout the summer, Coutinho stayed away from on-field action for the Reds citing injury problems. Once the transfer window closed, the Brazilian got back to full fitness and is now ready to be in the thick of the action once again.
With Champions League on the anvil – Liverpool will play Sevilla on Wednesday during their group qualification clash, it is the best time for Coutinho to get back into the side.
Most of the fans were antagonised by Coutinho’s desperation at pushing for a transfer. He has certainly burnt a few bridges here by submitting a transfer request but can win them back with stellar performances on the field.
As a fan, I hope he puts this entire transfer saga behind and makes an immediate impact on Wednesday. After all, for the Kop faithful, nothing matters more than a sizzling performance!
https://youtu.be/w3H4I1LBzGs
