The Philippe Coutinho saga has been dragging on for quite some time now and it has not helped the player nor the club.
Ever since Neymar moved to Paris Saint Germain, Barcelona has been keen to replace the Brazilian with Liverpool’s playmaker Coutinho, so far they have had three bid rejected as the Reds are determined to keep their star man but Catalans have not given up on their prime target, with less than eight days remaining before the transfer window closes, Barcelona are set to return with a sensational fourth bid worth £138million.
According to report, the Spanish giants will table the offer, worth £101m upfront and remaining 37 million pounds in bonuses for the 25-year-old. The add-ons are understood to be linked to Champions League appearances and are easily achievable if he were to move to the Nou Camp.
If Barcelona really makes the fourth bid then Liverpool might be tempted to soften their stance as Coutinho has officially submitted a transfer request and keeping a player who is determined to leave might not be the best idea.
However, there has been no chance in Liverpool’s stance over the Brazilian, speaking ahead of the crucial Champions League playoff game against Hoffenheim at Afield, Liverpool manager Klopp once again rejected the notion that Coutinho will leave for Barcelona instead he is ready for Coutinho to return to the squad once he recovers from a back injury. The German also played down the suggestion that his relationship with Coutinho has deteriorated.
The Brazilian is yet to feature for Liverpool this season due to a back injury picked up in the pre-season and will once again be unavailable when the Reds face Hoffenheim. Despite Coutinho’s absence, Liverpool are still expected to seal their place in the Champions’ League group stage on Wednesday.