Liverpool priced Barcelona out of a deal for Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho, according to the Catalan club’s president Josep Maria Bartomeu. The Daily Star reports that the Catalan club president claims to have been unable to land Coutinho even with lofty bids.
It was one of the sagas of the summer transfer window as Barcelona chased the signature of the Liverpool ace after losing their own star player Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain in a world record deal.
Even though the player indicated his willingness over the move and sent an official transfer request, the Reds were prepared to have nothing of it and were determined not to let the attacking midfielder leave.
Coutinho was one of the top targets for Ernesto Valverde after Barca lost Neymar to PSG. They made three bids for the Brazilian star. However, Liverpool stood firm with their stance of ‘not for sale’ and even rejected the last of the three bids that came at £118million.
Bartomeu explained to the Catalunyan outlet 8tv that he could not force the transfer even though the club was flush with money from Neymar’s sale. Part of the reason why the move didn’t materialise is that Liverpool were reluctant to do business at any price. He said:
“If the market does not allow a move, then you can’t force one.
“The market is changing sizeably because there is money coming into it that isn’t from the world of football.”
Barcelona moved on from their target and signed Ousmane Dembele from Borussia Dortmund as a replacement for Neymar while Coutinho was reintegrated into the Liverpool squad. The playmaker played his first match of the season for Liverpool against Sevilla in the 2-2 Champions League draw, coming on as a substitute and started the home game against Burnley over the weekend.
It is an open secret that the Brazilian international is a favourite for Jurgen Klopp who sees him as a key component in his long-term plans at Anfield. No wonder then that he was frustrated with Barcelona’s pursuit of his main man and was eagerly waiting for the transfer window to close.
What next for Coutinho? There is never a doubt about his potential and the ability to create chances out of nothing. Hopefully, the player too has moved on from the saga and has his mind on the season ahead. Because, as I see it, Coutinho is crucial to Liverpool’s success this year.
https://youtu.be/w3H4I1LBzGs
