Liverpool and Barcelona are in daily contact with Philippe Coutinho’s agent after the world-record signing of Virgil van Dijk made a January move for the Brazilian more likely, according to Sport.
The Spanish daily newspaper report that a deal between the two clubs gets closer to fruition every day, with Coutinho’s agent, Kia Joorabchian, making daily contact between both clubs.
Sport claim that Barcelona view Liverpool’s £75million signing of van Dijk as a positive step for negotiations, with the move seen as an attempt to mitigate for the departure of the midfield maestro, and also as a way of spending the impending windfall from Coutinho’s sale.
It is also said that Naby Keita, who signed for Liverpool in the summer and is set to arrive at the end of the season, could bring his move forward to January, which would basically guarantee Coutinho’s exit.
The report further states that the combined fees for Keita and van Dijk, around £123million, represent the amount that the Spanish giants will end up paying for the 25-year-old star.
Good move for Liverpool?
This is quite clearly not a good move for Liverpool, with attacking midfielder Coutinho transforming into one of the Premier League’s most exciting players in his time at the club.
It is however a move that has been expected for a while now, and Liverpool fans will not be surprised if the transfer does finally take place.
The club are also no doubt aware of the likelihood that they will lose Coutinho, and have hopefully been putting contingency plans into place.
The claim that the van Dijk purchase represents a move by Liverpool to spend the Coutinho money is a bit far-fetched however, and the club will surely look to bring in someone as a like-for-like replacement.
This is Futbol rating: 2/10
Likely to happen?
This is a move that has been in the offing for months now, ever since Barca’s approaches were knocked back in the summer.
A move looks inevitable, but the question that remains is timing.
Coutinho has again been in great form for Liverpool this season, and they will be loathe to lose him half way through the campaign, especially with a four-way scrap set to ensue for the final Champions League places.
If he is to leave in January, the club will want to sign a replacement beforehand, whether that means bringing Keita’s deal forwards, or looking elsewhere.
Whatever happens, Coutinho will most likely be playing at the Nou Camp at some point in the next six months.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10