The winter window is just a few weeks away and that only means one thing for Liverpool fans and the Spanish media – speculate about the future of Philippe Coutinho.
The 25-year-old was a summer target for Barcelona but we dug our heels in and ensured the Brazilian did not leave us, even after him submitting a transfer request. But a new report now suggests that Coutinho will be joining Barcelona and that we want a player in exchange for the attacking midfielder.
The report from Don Balon claims that any deal for the attacking midfielder should include Sergi Roberto. This is not the first time that the Spaniard has been named as the player that Liverpool want in exchange for Coutinho but this time there might be more than just the odd rumour from Spain coming in.
There is no doubt that Coutinho will be one player that will be looking to leave Liverpool in the summer, especially if he has a good World Cup with Brazil. The former Inter Milan man has not been at his best for us this campaign but a move to the Catalan giants might just get him playing better again.
Coutinho should not be allowed to leave on the cheap and if it was up to us, we would ensure that we get as much money as we can and not bring in any player who we don’t need. While Sergi Roberto is one of the most versatile players at Barcelona, thanks to his ability to play as a wing-back, midfielder and as a winger, what we really need is a quality central defender.
Selling Coutinho would be a major blow to us but it seems like we are now planning to focus more on the likes of Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah, who have been our stars this season.
If we are to grow and get better, we have to keep our best players but for that, we have to win trophies, something that seems difficult given our situation.
We still are in the Champions League and should make it to the next round as long as we get a point against Spartak Moscow at Anfield. Also, we are yet to play in the FA Cup but the league is what would keep Coutinho at Anfield, and that is a ship that has already sailed.
