Barcelona will definitely not be in a position to trigger the buy-out clause for Coutinho as there isn’t any in the Brazilian’s contract. The Liverpool fans will be happy to know that their star man’s contract runs until the end of 2020 and there is no existence of any buy-out clause in his contract which will make it difficult for other clubs to sign him.
Coutinho has been phenomenal for Liverpool and his national team Brazil this season and it’s quite obvious that clubs will come running after him. Barcelona will be one among many top European clubs who will be trying to get the Brazilian in the coming transfer window but may have to go the extra length to land him at the Camp Nou.
Barcelona have been the club most heavily linked with a move for Coutinho ever since Neymar openly expressed his desire to play alongside Coutinho in the club frame having played with him at the international youth level.
“I see many Brazilian players with quality today," Neymar told a publicity event for one of his sponsors. "One that I like and I think could play here is Coutinho. He has the style of Barcelona.”
That was last year, but Neymar was again at it recently when he spoke to Mundo Deportivo. “Coutinho is a top player and I would play with him at the club.”
Coutinho’s recent rise to stardom and his performance in the Premier League and in a Brazil shirt coupled with the fact that these two, Neymar and Coutinho, get along nicely has only provided an extra spice to the transfer speculation which will be a worrying factor for Jurgen Klopp and his Liverpool army.
However, unlike previous occasions, Liverpool are more secure this time around and they will be looking to fend off any interest from Barcelona. The Catalans can’t force a negotiation due to the nature of the contract which puts Liverpool in a pole position to stick with their man and avoid other potential bidders as well.
Previously, the Reds had to part ways with their most prized asset, Luis Suarez, to Barcelona back in 2014. Suarez almost single-handedly won the title for the Kops but they were unlucky to not lift the trophy at the end. Spanish publication SPORT also suggested that apart from Neymar, Suarez also had talks with Coutinho regarding a move to Spain.
Coutinho has so far enjoyed an exceptional start to the season with five goals and five assists to guide Liverpool to the top of the table.
(Video courtesy: g Element YouTube channel)
