Fansided

Owners: Philippe Coutinho is staying at Liverpool

By Andrew Beasley

Philippe Coutinho of Liverpool on the bench during the Audi Cup 2017 match between Liverpool FC and Atletico Madrid at Allianz Arena on August 2, 2017 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Matteo Ciambelli/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Philippe Coutinho of Liverpool on the bench during the Audi Cup 2017 match between Liverpool FC and Atletico Madrid at Allianz Arena on August 2, 2017 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Matteo Ciambelli/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /
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As Barcelona’s interest in the Brazilian midfield maestro intensifies, Fenway Sports Group issued a statement on Philippe Coutinho and his future at Liverpool.

After Barcelona shipped Neymar to PSG for a world record fee, the Catalan club has money to burn. It was reported that Barcelona submitted a bid of €80 million for Coutinho and that personal terms had been agreed. True or not, Liverpool’s owners moved to end the speculation and issued a statement confirming the Brazilian will not leave.

The statement is certainly short, but it’s also sweet for fans of Liverpool:

"We wish to offer clarity as regards our position on a possible transfer of Philippe Coutinho.The club’s definitive stance is that no offers for Philippe will be considered and he will remain a member of Liverpool Football Club when the summer window closes."

It’s easy to be cynical and focus on the “summer window” part of the sentence. Does this mean that there is a gentlemen’s agreement in place for the transfer to take place next year? That timing could certainly suit all parties.

Andres Iniesta is out of contract at the end of the forthcoming season. Coutinho has long been earmarked as his heir apparent and could take over next summer. He will also have four years left on his Liverpool contract, so he would still earn the club a very decent pay-day.

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With Naby Keita unlikely to leave Leipzig, an Anfield exit for Coutinho next summer could work there too. The Guinean could then move to Anfield to essentially replace the departing Brazilian.

As Virgil van Dijk has issued a transfer request, this could yet be a very satisfactory transfer window for Liverpool. If they can bring him in to go with newcomer Mohamed Salah, then by retaining their genius No. 10 Liverpool will feel they have a squad which can challenge for the big prizes.

It seems Coutinho is staying at Liverpool. For now at least.

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