Many Liverpool fans have not forgiven Philippe Coutinho for the way he departed the Reds.
The Brazil international was fantastic for the Merseysiders during his time at Anfield – in his last 45 Premier League appearances for the club, he managed 20 goals and 13 assists, for example – but it was clear he wanted to leave for pastures new.
In August of 2017, he even handed in a transfer request, whilst there were rumours that he failed to put in the required effort in training in an attempt to force a move.
In January of 2018, he got his wish, making a £142m switch to Barcelona. Whilst the fee was a huge one, the Anfield outfit were still losing a fantastic player who looked like he was set to shine on a bigger stage.
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Since then, though, Liverpool’s and Coutinho’s trajectories have travelled in opposite directions. Following the 27-year-old’s exit, the Reds have gone on to far better things, reaching two Champions League finals, winning one, and now well on their way to a first league title in 30 years as they top the English top tier by 22 points. The former Internazionale man, meanwhile, failed to make the grade with the Blaugrana, being shipped out on loan to Bayern Munich.
Despite having a €120m (£103.2m) purchase option in the one-year loan deal, the Bundesliga champions are unsure whether they want to take him permanently which is said to have piqued the Merseyside club’s interest. They have now come full circle – but his signing would be a move in the wrong direction.
On paper, the eight goals and six assists he has in 21 Bundesliga matches looks rather good, but it is worth pointing out that he scored three in a 6-1 win against Werder Bremen and two in the recent 6-0 victory over Hoffenheim – he only seems to turn it on when the Bavarians are in a full flow. After 21 goals in 76 matches for Barcelona, he looks as though his best days are behind him – certainly if such a huge fee is being mentioned.
Liverpool have progressed since they sold Coutinho, and now there is no real space for him in their side. Given that Klopp has a history of signing lesser-known names – Sadio Mane, Andrew Robertson and Georginio Wijnaldum were signed from Southampton, Hull and Newcastle respectively – it would indicate a change of strategy to then bring in a star who is no longer shining as bright as he used to.
Given their recent success, Liverpool would be going backwards were they to sign Coutinho. Quite clearly, it is one to avoid.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are in advanced contract talks with this youngster.