Liverpool star reiterates that he is not leaving this summer

Liverpool ace Philippe Coutinho has given fans renewed hope after refusing to be drawn into the speculation surrounding a move to Barcelona.

The 25-year-old midfielder is currently on international duty with Brazil. He responded to questions about a possible transfer by saying, “Talking about this is complicated. I have a contract with my club and it is long. So my focus is on the present and the national. My focus is here.”

Coutinho has long been linked with the Catalan club, and has been touted as the natural replacement for an ageing Iniesta by former Liverpool forward Luis Garcia.

His ability on the ball and intelligence in passing has seen him earmarked as the sort of player that would thrive in Barcelona’s system.

It is not the first time that he has been linked to Barcelona, and nor is it likely to be the last. At the tender age of 25, his best years are still ahead of him and it seems for the time being at least he will honor the contract he has with Liverpool.