The Philippe Coutinho transfer saga has been frustratingly driven by a torrent of conflicting reports regarding Barcelona’s pursuit of the playmaker.
As far as Liverpool stand, there have been no developments since rejecting a second bid of £90million and the Brazilian himself handing in a transfer request.
The stance remains the same- the No.10 is not for sale at any price this summer.
Such confidence in an unaltered insistence has once again been thrown into doubt, with Barcelona’s general manager Pep Segura suggesting deals for Coutinho and Borussia Dortmund’s Ousmane Dembele are ‘close’.
Spanish football expert Guillem Balague has, however, been at hand to clarify such claims, explaining how Segura meant the club would like to negotiate with Liverpool, who have not at all changed their outlook.
2. Segura knows Liverpool haven’t moved an inch their position on Coutinho: they not selling. Will they be able to maintain it till the end?
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) August 17, 2017
3. Despite the insistence of Catalan press (FCB have nothing to do with it) about meetings this week, nothing is planned between LFC and FCB
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) August 17, 2017
On Segura. He mentions Cout+Dmb but 1 thing lost in translation: he trying 2 say club want/negotiating 4 both. But knows LPL not selling ATM
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) August 17, 2017
There is every chance Liverpool will keep hold of their star man this summer, with owners Fenway Sports Group highly unlikely to go back on their word.
Besides this, Coutinho himself can’t afford to sulk if made to stay put with the 2018 World Cup approaching and a place in the Brazil squad very much his for the taking.
All affiliated with the club, fans included, can admit to having not quarrels with Coutinho for wanting to play for Barcelona, but the feeling is that the 25-year-old owes the Reds one more big season, at the very least.
The sooner it’s over, the sooner he can turn a focus back towards leading Liverpool up the Premier League table.
SEE MORE:
LFC fans should read what was said about 7-year-old Trent Alexander-Arnold