Philippe Coutinho is a wanted man.
Barcelona are already thought to have had a £72m bid for the Brazilian knocked back by Liverpool, with manager Jürgen Klopp making it perfectly clear that he does not intend to sell the player on numerous occasions.
On Monday, however, Sky Sports reported that a source close to the player had indicated that he wished to make the move if the two clubs could reach an amicable agreement.
While there’s no suggestion that Liverpool have altered their ‘not for sale’ stance, the clubs supporters probably won’t appreciate Graeme Souness’ assessment of the situation. Speaking to Sky Sports News, Souness explained that Coutinho’s willingness to leave made the move inevitable.
“I don’t think you can [keep him],” he explained. “The chance to play for a team that would suit his style of play, I don’t think he can say no to it as hard as that is for Liverpool to accept.
“Ultimately if he wants to go he will go, as much as the club won’t want him to. He’s on a contract but if the big players want to go these days then they get their own way.”
If Coutinho was allowed to leave, Liverpool would expect to receive a large fee for the player. According to Souness, this might also prove problematic for Klopp as he attempts to reinvest the money on new players.
“The problem they have is that they’ll get so much money for him, that when they go shopping after that they’ll pay a premium wherever they go.
“I’m sure there are players out there who would influence their play as much as Coutinho. Would they come to Liverpool? For sure, but they’re going to have a big war chest to spend.”
