Barcelona have reportedly tabled a bid worth €80 million to sign Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool this summer.
According to a report in Daily Mail, Barcelona have lodged a formal offer for Philippe Coutinho, with an €80 million bid on the table. Liverpool, however, are expected to turn down the offer as they intend to keep the Brazilian playmaker at Anfield beyond the summer transfer window.
Coutinho’s career has been on an upward trajectory ever since he joined Liverpool from Inter Milan as a fresh faced 20-year-old in the winter transfer window of 2013. In fact, the player’s development has been so impressive that he has established himself as the single-most instrumental figure at Anfield over the past two seasons.
Coutinho has also become a regular fixture for Brazil. This past season was arguably the most fruitful that the 25-year-old has enjoyed with Liverpool as he led Liverpool’s charge for a Top 4 finish in the Premier League successfully by chipping in with 13 goals and 7 assists in 31 games.
His impressive development has seen the interest in the player skyrocketing in recent months. Chief among these suitors are Barcelona, who have been eyeing Coutinho for a long time.
Barcelona have offered £72m for Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho and will not be put off by a Reds rejection. (Source: Daily Mail) pic.twitter.com/urWjhJDlIK
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) July 21, 2017
Newly appointed manager Ernesto Valverde has reportedly identified midfield as top priority for the summer in order to create a formidable squad capable of challenging on all fronts next season.
The need to sign a top midfielder has also arisen from the failures of Denis Suarez and Andre Gomes last season, with the duo failing to have much of an impact. On top of that, Ivan Rakitic was inconsistent as well, which meant that Barcelona often failed to assert their control at the centre of the park.
Andres Iniesta is also approaching the end of his glittering career with the Catalan club, with his impending renewal likely to be his final contract at Camp Nou. Thus, the Blaugrana are seeking a long-term successor for the Spain veteran, having already struggled to replace Xavi.
And so, Coutinho has emerged as their top target for the summer, with his playmaking abilities making him a viable replacement for Barcelona. And at 25, with his best years still ahead of him, the Brazil international will be a long-term solution at the heart of midfield.
Therefore, Barcelona have submitted a staggering €80 million bid for Coutinho, which would be Liverpool’s record sale. However, the Reds’ valuation of the player is much higher.
The Merseyside are unwilling to part ways with their prized asset as well having renewed his deal earlier this year, and are ready to fight tooth and nail to keep him at Anfield beyond the summer. It now remains to be seen if Barcelona are able to secure the services of Coutinho or if Liverpool succeed in keeping hold of the player.
