Liverpool

Moreno: I’ve spoke with Coutinho about a potential exit

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Liverpool defender Alberto Moreno has revealed that he has spoken with teammate Philippe Coutinho about a potential exit amid reported interest from Barcelona.

The Daily Mail claims that the Spanish giants are eyeing a January move for the 25-year-old despite missing out on him in the summer.

It is understood the La Liga club want the Brazil international in the New Year and that there is the potential for a player-plus-cash deal to be offered with Ivan Rakatic.

Coutinho is regarded as a key player in Jurgen Klopp’s side and has been in good form this season, scoring four goals and supplying three assists in nine games.

Moreno has explained that he has spoken with attacking midfielder Coutinho about his future and was unable to disclose the crunch details of the conversation.

He did explain that he hopes the Brazilian stays with the Merseyside club, but admitted it was out of his hands.

“I’ve said: ‘Brother, don’t go.’ But in the end, a player has to make the decision himself,” Moreno told the Guardian.

“I can’t tell you what he said to me, of course, because it’s something that’s very personal, but we’ve talked.

“If I get to decide, Philippe’s not going. But I can’t interfere. It’s Liverpool, Barcelona and him, and they decide.”

OPINION

It seems fairly clear from Moreno’s comments about Coutinho that the midfield maestro could be out of the Anfield exit doors fairly quickly. The Reds managed to resist temptation in the summer to sell their talisman, but the pull of Barcelona is likely to prove too much in the end. Coutinho has become an integral part of the Merseyside club and has racked up 190 appearances, scoring 46 goals and supplying 40 assists. However, the Brazilian may now feel it is the right time to move on with his career and there are not many bigger steps than joining Barcelona.

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