Former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer has commented on Philippe Coutinho’s exit at Liverpool.
The Reds sold the man affectionately known to Kopites as the ‘little magician’ to Barcelona back in 2018 in an eye-watering £142m deal (BBC), with many expecting Jurgen Klopp’s side to suffer as a consequence.
However, in a bizarre twist of fate, things haven’t worked out for Coutinho at the Camp Nou and reports have claimed that the 28-year-old could be sold in the summer for as little as £35m.
Fronted by renowned transfer mogul and sporting director at the club, Michael Edwards, the Anfield recruitment team set about using the funds to strengthen specific areas of Klopp’s squad.
That business impressed particularly Palmer, who has this week been raving to Football FanCast:
“I thought it was brilliant business, I thought it was brilliant business. I know he’s always wanted to go to Barcelona, but I thought for him it was the wrong move. He got his contract at Liverpool, he was playing unbelievable at Liverpool.
“They gave him a new contract, he would’ve [continued to] fit in the way [Jurgen] Klopp plays, you know, and he’s pushed the move through to go. Listen, don’t get me wrong, I’m sure he’s a multimillionaire out of it. But these are the things that happen sometimes when you don’t think about the things you do. And he’s gone backwards and Liverpool have progressed.”
During his time on Merseyside following his £8.5m (The Guardian) switch from Inter Milan, Coutinho scored 54 times and made 45 assists in 201 appearances for the club.
Would you take Philippe Coutinho back at Liverpool?
Yes
No
As sensational as Coutinho was as a Red, the rather unamicable departure has left a sour taste in the mouth.
Liverpool’s ability to improve without the 62-cap Brazil star whilst he endured a difficult spell in Catalunia, including a loan switch to Bayern Munich, was a genuine masterstroke from the Anfield hierarchy.
Albeit Klopp could certainly use a player of Coutinho’s creativity over the summer, even at cut-price, it’s unlikely to be the Brazilian number 10 given how much water has gone under the bridge.