In a recent interview with the Telegraph, Barcelona attacker Phillipe Coutinho’s agent, Kia Joorabchian shed some light on his client’s future and said, ‘I was told they have no intention of selling him, that Barcelona have not spoken to anyone and that stories to the contrary are simply not true.
‘I will not let people talk about Philippe and put him down because for one-and-a-half years we have said nothing.
‘I won’t let them do that and all of us in Philippe’s camp will not let that happen because Barcelona have told us he is staying.
‘Coutinho’s camp are not actively looking to move him but we believe people inside Barcelona may be acting without authority to try and sell the player.
‘Either Barcelona have to contain the people within their organisation who are giving out information to the contrary or they have to tell us the truth if they have changed their minds.’
The Daily Mirror had reported yesterday that both Liverpool and Coutinho were eager to be reunited at Anfield, but Barca had no plans to sell him during this summer transfer window. The Brazilian playmaker’s agent is now stating that he is not sure about Barca’s intentions to keep him at the Nou Camp beyond this summer. Hence, this could give the Reds an ideal opportunity to seal a return for the Catalans outcast before the start of the new campaign.
Coutinho’s Lacklustre Spell At The Nou Camp
The South American trickster experienced a mediocre season in the La Liga last season. The Rio de Janeiro born prospect managed to register 11 goals along with five assists in 54 matches for the Spanish champions in the previous term across multiple competitions. The 27-year-old was also one of the masterminds behind the Brazilian’s national team’s success in the Copa America earlier this month.
Will Coutinho Be A Good Fit For The Reds?
Coutinho is one of the best playmakers in European football. He is also a potent goal-threat from long-range but has struggled to find consistency in the Barcelona shirt thus far. There are still some lingering question marks over whether he will be a good fit for Klopp’s style of football at Anfield. The Brazilian wide player tends to be lazy when not in possession of the ball which was also a problem during his previous spell under Klopp at Liverpool.
The Reds are better off without Coutinho as they already have a plethora of options in midfield. However, the Brazilian’s creativity could make him a useful asset as the Merseyside giants look to mount another title charge in the English top-flight next season.
Klopp Faces A Selection Dilemma: What Should Be His Play?
Klopp had the likes of Ryan Kent, Harry Wilson and Ben Woodburn available in his squad for their 6-0 preseason victory over Tranmere Rovers after the trio returned from their respective loan spells. So the German boss needs to decide whether to trust some of his younger midfielders or bring an old fan-favourite back to Anfield this summer.
