In an exclusive interview with talkSPORT, Barcelona playmaker Phillipe Coutinho’s agent Kia Joorabchian provided an update on his client’s future and said, “Manchester United is a great club, I have players there and I have all the respect for them, but as far as Philippe goes it would be an extremely difficult to a near-impossible move.
“I would be very difficult for Philippe to play for any of Liverpool’s rivals because he has such a great affinity towards Liverpool. His time there was fantastic.
“Yes, but like all big players at some point, you want to experience a different thing in your career because your career is very short, but it [his Anfield exit] has no reflection on the fact his heart and affinity is very much with Liverpool.”
Mundo Deportivo had claimed last week that both Coutinho and Liverpool are eager to be reunited this summer. However, according to the same source, the Reds are only willing to sign him for a reduced fee. Hence, the Brazilian’s reluctance to move to Man United in favour of a return to his former club will be a huge boost for Jurgen Klopp’s chances of landing the player this summer.
Coutinho’s Mediocre Spell In Spanish Football
The South American midfield ace experienced a lacklustre season at the Nou Camp last season. The Rio de Janeiro born trickster found the back of the net on 11 occasions while providing five assists in 54 appearances for the Catalan giants in the previous term on all fronts. The 27-year-old was also the driving force behind Brazil’s triumph in the Copa America earlier this summer.
What Will The Brazilian Talent Bring To Merseyside?
Coutinho has shown in the past that he can be one of the best playmakers in Europe when he is playing with confidence on the pitch. The Brazilian sensation can also score a bunch of goals from long range, but he has failed to put in a consistent run of performances at the Nou Camp so far. Some concerns remain over whether he would be able to fit in well and adapt to Klopp’s brand of football at Anfield.
The Barca winger can sometimes be a bit lazy when not in possession of the ball which could make Liverpool a bit more vulnerable defensively in the upcoming campaign. However, the Reds would be able to be productive going forward as Coutinho will add a lot of creativity to Klopp’s midfield.
Coutinho’s Heart Is Set On Liverpool Move: Huge Boost For Klopp?
There is no doubt that Coutinho’s desire to move to Anfield will come as a massive boost for Liverpool. However, Klopp might be better off giving the likes of Ryan Kent, Harry Wilson and Ben Woodburn a proper chance in his first-team heading into the new campaign. The young trio has performed well in the preseason, so they deserve Klopp’s attention more than Coutinho at this moment.
