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What's the story?
Premier League club Liverpool are finally ready to sell playmaker Philippe Coutinho to La Liga giants Barcelona. However, the Reds manager Jurgen Klopp wants to include the Catalan side's Rafinha in a swap deal for their number 10 according to Spanish media outlet Don Balon.
In case you didn't know...
Coutinho has been linked with the Blaugrana for some time now. It was even reported that the former Inter Milan player submitted a transfer request to force a move to the Camp Nou last summer.
The Merseyside club stood firm in their stance that they are not willing to sell their star man and held on to the player despite Barcelona making three big bids for the player.
This week the fans were confused after the Spanish club's kit sponsors Nike advertised Coutinho's name on the Barcelona shirts. Some thought the site was hacked, while others thought it was an accidental leak from the company.
Both Nike nor Barcelona have spoken about the incident.
The heart of the matter
Even though Liverpool were able to hold on to Coutinho last summer, it won't be long before they are forced to sell the Brazilian to the Ernesto Valverde-managed side. Only time will tell if the move will happen in January or summer.
According to Don Balon, Klopp wants Rafinha in a swap deal for Coutinho. The German wants to strengthen his midfield and thinks Rafinha-plus-money would be a good bit of business for his side as well.
The 24-year-old Barcelona player is primarily a central midfielder, but can also operate as a number 10 or a right-winger. The Brazilian is known for his passing and defensive contribution.
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Author's take
Coutinho to Barcelona is inevitable for Liverpool and the player will be making the move in the next summer transfer window, if not in January.
The Reds will have a tough time finding the right replacement for their Little Magician, but Barcelona's Rafinha could do a job or two for Klopp's side.
Liverpool have apparently lost the race for their primary midfield target Leon Goretzka to Bayern Munich and Rafinha could be one of the alternatives.
