Reports: Liverpool demand Barcelona star in Coutinho deal

What’s the story?

Barcelona are edging closer and closer to signing Philippe Coutinho. The Brazilian is finally set to be freed by Liverpool but on one condition.

The Reds are demanding that Barcelona make it a player + cash deal with Rafinha involved in the deal as per reports by Daily Star. Jurgen Klopp is still reluctant to let go of Coutinho but is reportedly willing to finalize the deal if he gets the player of his choice.

In case you didn’t know…

Barcelona have been chasing Coutinho for a long time. They made several moves for him in the summer but every single bid was rejected by Liverpool.

Coutinho handed in a transfer request too to force a move to Barcelona. But it was also rejected by Liverpool as they did not want to let go of him at any cost.

The heart of the matter

Liverpool and Barcelona are still negotiating the deal despite Nike confirming it two days ago. The Merseyside club are now set to take the American company to court for the same.

Telegraph reports suggest that Liverpool will now demand an astronomical fee from Barcelona if they want the deal to be completed.

Meanwhile, Sky Sports pundit, Tony Cottee has said that Coutinho will only leave in the summer. “Personally, I can’t see Philippe Coutinho leaving until the end of the season. I think if he was going to go he would have gone at the start of this season. People do it, they make mistakes, or someone had a bright idea or whatever. I can’t see him going, I cannot see him going in this window, I really can’t. I think he will go at the end of the season. I can’t see him going.” he said.

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Author’s Take

Coutinho to Barcelona inevitable. But it'll be a surprise if they actually sign him in January. He can't play in the Champions League + Liverpool are adamant about not selling him...