Jamie Redknapp believes that Liverpool should attempt to re-sign Luis Suarez if they lose their talisman Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona.
The Sky Sports pundit has suggested a player-plus cash deal involving both superstars if Barcelona reignite their interest in Coutinho.
The Spanish giants have been strongly linked with a move for Liverpool’s 25-year-old attacking midfielder in the past and failed with their attempts to sign him in the summer.
Sky Sports Spanish expert Guillem Balague has revealed that the Reds will not sell the Brazilian in January, but that resisting another offer next summer could prove more difficult.
Coutinho for now is still at Anfield and has been in sensational form this campaign, scoring 10 goals and supplying eight assists in 17 games across all competitions.
Redknapp believes that Liverpool should try to bring former fan favourite Suarez back to Anfield if they lose their current talisman.
Barcelona striker Suarez, 30, ripped up the Premier League during his time with Liverpool and was a key player them.
The Uruguay international scored 82 goals in just 133 games for the Premier League side and has gone on to become an even better goalscorer at the Camp Nou.
“Philippe Coutinho was sensational for Liverpool at Bournemouth. The Reds should enjoy him while they can before Barcelona come calling again in the summer,” Redknapp wrote in the Daily Mail.
“Even if Liverpool receive in excess of the £138million Barcelona bid last summer, there are few like-for-like players they can buy — while bringing in a number of players is not always the best option. Instead, Liverpool should ask Barcelona to swap Coutinho for Luis Suarez.
“The striker has not been as prolific as in recent seasons and the Liverpool fans would love a returning hero. It would be a great move for both the club and the Premier League.”
OPINION
In an ideal situation Liverpool would keep Coutinho for the long-term, but even the most die-hard fans are beginning to except that his future may lie away from the Merseyside club. They need to enjoy the Brazilian playmaker while he is still around and his spectacular individual goal at the weekend against Bournemouth was exactly why Barcelona are keen on him. Meanwhile, Redknapp’s suggestion about signing Suarez seems unlikely at first glance, but the striker has grown frustrated this campaign. He has still managed nine goals for Barcelona this season, but his form has dropped off and it would be interesting to see if Liverpool could tempt him back for another crack in England.