Liverpool Have Gone Absolutely Mad In Their Bid To Keep Coutinho
Reuters / Carl Recine
Spanish giants Barcelona are set to test Liverpool with a fourth bid for Brazilian star Philippe Coutinho, as the summer transfer window reaches its final week.
The Premier League side has already rejected three offers for Coutinho, as Barca prepare a £138m deal with add-ons for the versatile attacking player. And it is understood that Liverpool are set to reject the 4th bid as well, which would have seen Coutinho become the 2nd costliest player in the world, after Neymar’s £198m move to PSG.
According to Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol, the Reds are in no mood to sell their premier player, and will not even part ways with him for a mammoth £150m if the situation arrives.
Kaveh tweeted: “Liverpool have let Barcelona know that there’s no point bidding £138m for Philippe Coutinho because they wouldn’t even sell him for £150m.”
Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde is desperate to add the 25-year-old to his squad as an able replacement for Neymar, who departed after four successful years with the club. But Liverpool’s stance has been adamant, and they will now sell Coutinho at any cost, as they regard him too important in order to challenge for top honours. It looks likely that Jurgen Klopp’s side will reject the offer, once it is made official.
Barca are still looking to move on after Neymar’s sale to PSG, and have had a difficult time in persuading Liverpool to sell Coutinho, despite the player handing a transfer request weeks ago. Coutinho wants a move to Spain, but with little time left, it is unlikely Liverpool will pay heed to his wish.
The Spanish giants also want to sign Borussia Dortmund’s Ousmane Dembele, and the 20-year-old is currently suspended by the Bundesliga outfit for boycotting training in protest regarding a move. Recently, BVB CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke put the ball firmly in Barcelona’s court, and stated an offer is on the table for the Catalans to meet, and if they don’t, a deal won’t happen.
Written by Rajdeep Saha 
Sports journalist with stints across print, digital and television. Contribution to each medium has been thrilling. Experienced in writing for this passionate game called football. Journalist by choice and passion.