The Philippe Coutinho saga has taken a bizarre turn to continue a trend in a transfer window that rarely seizes to surprise.
While Barcelona’s pursuit of the Brazilian has been worrying at times, it has also been at hand to serve as some entertainment for Reds.
The Catalan giants sparked confusion amongst supporters at the weekend when they set Liverpool a deadline to accept their third bid for the playmaker, worth up to £118million, or they would withdraw the offer. As expected, the club stood by its initial rejection.
It has since, however, been reported that Barca will return for a fourth time with an offer of £138million for their first choice Neymar replacement.
A confidence that a deal for Coutinho would be possible has gradually faded, with the La Liga side’s next approach seemingly one they feel they must make- as hinted by Spanish football expert Guillem Balague.
1. FCB are very aware LFC are not selling but have been asked by Coutinho to give it a last go. FCB don’t want Coutinho upset for future pic.twitter.com/vHrxrIOxro
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) August 23, 2017
1. The offer FCB is preparing of €150 (110+40) for Coutinho is cause they feel morally obliged after his Transfer Request, but… pic.twitter.com/v5XlLlwftW
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) August 24, 2017
2. FCB pessimistic abt Couti/Dembl, looking for others. LFC insist they will reject fourth offer (if & when), their stance is “definitive”
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) August 24, 2017
It’s as though they are doing it out of sympathy for Coutinho, as one hopeless last-gasp attempt that will confirm, once and for all, he is going nowhere this summer.
Owners Fenway Sports Group have their critics, but will have done a tremendous job if they manage to see out the transfer window having turned away such lucrative fees and kept one of the club’s star men for at least another 12 months.
It’s time for the incredibly talented Brazilian that Reds know and love to get back on the pitch and give it his all for this club.
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