Liverpool officials “embraced euphorically” moments after the confirmation of Philippe Coutinho’s record-breaking transfer fee to Barcelona, according to Sport.
The Spanish newspaper claim the Anfield hierarchy celebrated the enormity of the transfer and manager Jurgen Klopp “did not shed tears” because he was in fact unconvinced about Coutinho’s suitability to his high-energy, pressing side.
Coutinho left Anfield in January of last year after the Merseyside giants eventually caved in to longstanding interest from the Spanish champions as they accepted a sensational £142million bid.
OPINION
What does this tell us about how the Liverpool top brass felt about the Coutinho sale, which was highly controversial and infuriated fans at the time? That it was an eye-boggling amount of money that the Premier League club felt they could not turn down? That the club’s transfer negotiators, led by the mysterious but feted sporting director Michael Edwards, out-smarted their Spanish counterparts? That Klopp felt it wasn’t terrible business, as long as he was given the cash to strengthen the squad? Yes, all three, no doubt. History has told us the Merseysiders have got the best of the deal – so far – as Coutinho has yet to nail down a regular starting spot for Barcelona despite their excellent season that will surely end with another league title. Yet, the brilliant Brazilian could yet ram the criticism of fans and pundits down their throats. He is certainly good enough to do so.