Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona this summer, but Anfield has consistently maintained that the Brazilian is not for sale. LFC manager Jurgen Klopp has been adamant about this- he does not wish to part with his side’s best player.
Of course, €100 million changes everything. Now, as Barcelona are flush with major additional cash from the €222m sale of Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain, the Catalan club are reportedly throwing more money after the young budding star. It may be an offer that cannot be refused, especially if Coutinho himself actually wants the move.
There are conflicting reports out there right now, but numerous outlets claim that the two clubs are in discussion right now, and could quickly be moving towards a deal.
90 Min link two sources in the Spanish press and write that “?Sport believe Liverpool have agreed to let their star man leave. Mundo Deportivo also believe Coutinho will seal his move to Catalonia soon, claiming the 25-year-old could be a Barcelona player as soon as Tuesday.”
It’s not just media in Spain espousing this narrative. Additionally, EuroSport UK are saying that Coutinho will become the Neymar replacement.
Barcelona's MSN could be about to become MSC as Liverpool accept Philippe Coutinho offer 😲 pic.twitter.com/gD8UzkEWnA
— Eurosport (@eurosport) August 6, 2017
So who to believe?
Well, Guillem Balague is about as trustworthy as it gets on transfer news, especially if it involves a Spanish team, and here’s what he had to say.
His tweets say that a deal could be in the works, but with some skepticism, and if it happens certainly not as rapidly as other outlets claim:
On Coutinho. LFC insist they have no intention to sell. Orders come from top. They rejected only offer till date of €80m in 45 minutes 1/3 pic.twitter.com/lMawV8ssAM
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) August 6, 2017
Player has agreement with FCB so Catalans think they can convince LFC but not by Tuesday as Catalan press announced today #chessgame 2/3
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) August 6, 2017
From the negotiation table (close to FCB): never say never. Pressure will continue from FCB. LFC say they can handle it 3/3
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) August 6, 2017
Stay tuned!
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV.
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