- Philippe Coutinho believes he has played last game for Liverpool
- Brazilian eager to secure January move to Barcelona
- Liverpool still awaiting bid from Catalan giants
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Philippe Coutinho is seemingly intent on securing his dream move to Barcelona as early as possible rather than waiting until the end of the season.
Talk surrounding the Brazilian’s potential departure has heightened in recent days, with Barcelona expected to launch a fourth bid to follow up the three that were rejected during the summer.
Coutinho could be granted the opportunity to fulfil his ambition to play for the Catalan giants courtesy of Liverpool’s supposedly more open stance surrounding his departure.
Owners Fenway Sports Group were insistent throughout the summer that the club’s talisman would not be sold for any price, although recent speculation suggests they could resign to agreeing a deal before the end of the month.
Coutinho himself does not expect to play for Liverpool again, with a bid of around £133million likely to tempt the club into parting ways with the No.10, according to the Times’ Paul Joyce.
The new best case scenario for Liverpool would be arranging a deal that would see Coutinho make way in the summer rather than mid-way through the season.
With the fierce battle for a top four finish set to continue and the Champions League knockout stages approaching, Jurgen Klopp would deem it an untimely blow to lose his star playmaker.
Liverpool sanctioning Coutinho’s sale would, however, hint at the club having already lined up a possible replacement.
After missing the New Year’s Day win over Burnley with injury, Coutinho is now also expected to sit out Liverpool’s FA Cup tie with Everton on Friday.