According to various reports, Liverpool rejected an offer worth £90million from Barcelona for the signature of the much sought-after Philippe Coutinho on Wednesday.
In the midst of one of the longest transfer sagas of this summer, erstwhile Reds manager Brendan Rodgers believes not even the player holds the key to his exit.
Neither does current manager Jurgen Klopp. In the words of the Celtic boss, “Philippe Coutinho is a world-class player but the power in the position is with Liverpool. Phil has signed a new contract (in January 2017).
“He’s always going to have other clubs that want him. But Liverpool don’t have to sell him if they don’t want to. So the power is very much with them.”
Coutinho arrived Anfield on transfer deadline in the 2013 winter window for £8.5million from Inter Milan while Rodgers was still in charge, and was influential as the Northern Irishman almost led Liverpool to a first Premier League title in 2013-14.
The Brazilian is yet to win a trophy with the Reds, but remains integral to their plans if they are to have a chance this term.
It’s why they have played hard ball over sanctioning a sale, for whatever worth, to Barcelona.
The player himself hasn’t given any hint as to what he truly wants, though, but it’s believed he has eyes set on a Camp Nou move.
Due to injury, Coutinho won’t be available when Liverpool visit Watford for their season curtain raiser on Saturday.
However, the Merseyside club would hope he would be for the season when he gets fit, with Barcelona still optimistic of their chances and most likely to continue making attempts on his signature.
