Report: Messi’s Barcelona exit lands a blow to Liverpool’s transfer plans

Transfer News: Liverpool blow in chase for Philippe Coutinho

The Express has provided the latest on Liverpool and Philippe Coutinho saga. According to the report, it’s highly unlikely that the Reds will sign the Brazilian this summer as the departure of Lionel Messi could set the stage for him to stay at Barcelona.

The news of Lionel Messi leaving Barcelona has shaken up the footballing world. However, it seems like it has also disrupted Liverpool’s transfer plans.

Mundo Deportivo (h/t Liverpool Echo) claimed that the Reds were keen on bringing back former player Coutinho from Barcelona this summer. The report added that the reds would face strong competition from Tottenham Hotspur.

But, it is now being claimed that the 29-year-old Brazilian playmaker is set for a stay at Camp Nou, in the aftermath of the departure of Messi.

Do Liverpool need Philippe Coutinho?

Between 2013-18 Coutinho was one of the best players in the English league. However, he decided to move on in the middle of the 2017/18 season. Barcelona signed him in January 2018.

The Brazilian started his Barca career with the same flair. However, he did not manage to keep the consistency. By the end of his first full season, Barcelona were running out of patience with the ex-Liverpool man.

Hence, he was sent on loan to Bayern Munich for 2019/20. Coutinho showed hints of his former self in Germany and even won the Champions League.

However, apart from not being in top form, he struggled with injuries. The injuries continued to pile on after he returned to Barcelona. He missed most of the 20/21 season.

More Liverpool News

• Inter Milan have joined Liverpool in the race to sign Dusan Vlahovic this summer
• Liverpool exploring the possibility of signing Mikkel Damsgaard from Sampdoria
• Liverpool in line for a windfall if Luis Alberto is sold

Liverpool could do with a player with Coutinho’s profile. Someone who can create and score goals from the midfield. However, signing the Brazilian himself would come with its risks.

As mentioned above, the player has recurring injury issues, while his stock has also fallen drastically since leaving Anfield. Jurgen Klopp’s high-intensity system could worsen those problems.