Liverpool to pocket €20 million from Philippe Coutinho transfer clause
According to Spanish publication Marca (h/t Mirror), Liverpool are set to pocket €20 million next season following Barcelona’s U-turn over the transfer of midfielder Philippe Coutinho.
The former Anfield favorite’s dream move to Spain unraveled quickly into a nightmare. Just two years on from his record-breaking move, he looked to be on his way back to the Premier League with the likes of Everton, Tottenham Hotspur, and Chelsea keen.
Currently, on loan at Bayern Munich, his performances have failed to convince the Germans to make his loan move permanent.
Although Barcelona would like to cut their losses, the truth remains that there is no market to sell the Brazilian in.
With the coronavirus pandemic putting football in a limbo, clubs are unlikely to have the same financial clout in the upcoming transfer market.
This could force Barcelona’s hand and force them to keep the player at the club for another season. Such a decision will see Liverpool benefit financially.
According to the report, a clause in the player’s contract stats that the Catalans are obliged to pay the Reds €20m once the Brazilian plays 100 games for the club.
Coutinho currently is 24 games short of that figure, having spent a season and a half at the Nou Camp. Keeping the player will be a significant financial strain on Barcelona who also pays the player £12m-a-year in wages.
Liverpool were paid an initial €120m for the transfer followed by a further six million in add ons. A Champions League triumph will see the Catalans fork out a further five million.
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Still just 27, Coutinho is a potent player and can be a force if used right. With both the market and his reputation in tatters, the Catalans would be wise to use a wait and watch approach.
Barcelona should try to incorporate the Brazilian into the lineup next season. Such a move would also usher in prospective admirers if the club chooses to sell him next year.
With every passing day, Liverpool’s decision to sell the Brazilian looks more of a masterstroke.
