According to Spanish outlet Diario Gol, Real Madrid midfielder Mateo Kovacic has verbally agreed to join Liverpool, as both parties have discussed about a switch to Anfield, and the 23-year-old Croatian international is keen.
While this is good news, one that would represent a great summer transfer business done by Liverpool, the essence of the move: replacing for Philippe Coutinho, would no longer be relevant with the Brazilian now keen on remaining at Merseyside.
The 25-year-old has realized a move to Camp Nou to link up with Barcelona might not work out in the long run.
While Coutinho’s stay is more than a welcome development, on the flip side, it would all but signify annulling a move for Kovacic as it has potentially put a blocker on the deal.
The Champions League winning midfielder isn’t a perfect like-for-like replacement due to his style of play.
However, the ability of the former Inter Milan man to play in central, left of it, attacking or deep midfield would’ve made him some sort of multifunctional signing.
Kovacic would have been able to be an all-round threat in the middle, both defensively and attack-wise for the Reds, and a potential move for RB Leipzig’s Naby Keita next summer wouldn’t have likely been no longer necessary.
It’s safe to say Coutinho’s change of mind is both a blessing and curse to the club.
