The transfer window has only been open for a matter of days, but Philippe Coutinho’s name already looms large. After the summer saga over whether or not Liverpool playmaker Coutinho would join Barcelona, speculation has continued to surround a potential move.
The Catalans’ attempts proved unsuccessful in the summer, with Liverpool ignoring the player’s request for a transfer and rejecting three big-money bids from Barcelona.
However, it is reported that the Brazilian’s move to Barcelona could cause an uproar in the Camp Nou dressing room. And that’s over the proposed salary the playmaker is set to be offered by the Catalan club. Spanish news outlet Don Balon claims that central defender Gerard Pique is unhappy at the contract Coutinho could sign.
The report says the Liverpool midfielder will be offered a £10.6m-a-year salary to ply his trade for the Catalan giants. Midfielders Andreas Iniesta and Ivan Rakitic are also believed to be hesitant on the Brazilian’s move to the Camp Nou as that it leaves their position at the club in jeopardy.
The report claims that a deal worth £133m (€150m) will secure the signing of the 25-year-old and could be announced this week.
Coutinho has been in fine form for Liverpool this season, netting 12 goals and 9 assists in all competitions. The 25-year-old missed the 2-1 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor with a thigh injury, but it has since transpired that the Brazilian is again pushing for a move away from Merseyside.
The midfielder is now not expected to take part in Friday’s FA Cup third-round clash with Everton, after he was pictured reporting to Melwood on Tuesday.
These swift developments come after a bizarre Nike advertisement pointing a deal was already in place, though the post was later taken down.
A release from the sports company said:
“Philippe Coutinho is ready to light up the Camp Nou. Get your 2017/18 Barcelona kit with the Magician’s name on it.
“Act fast – free personalisation only available until 6 January.”
It would be a real shame if Jurgen Klopp allows Coutinho to leave in January after having fought so resolutely to keep him, just five months ago.
With us fighting for a top-four finish in the Premier League and competing in the Champions League as well as the FA Cup, which is starting from Friday, Coutinho is a much-needed player to have in the squad.
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