Barcelona is not interested in making a move for Liverpool forward Philippe Coutinho in the summer, as per Guillem Balague.
Spanish journalist Guillem Balague has claimed in his column on Sky Sports that Liverpool forward Philippe Coutinho is not a transfer target for the summer for Barcelona, who are instead interested in signing a midfielder.
Coutinho has come a long way since joining Liverpool from Inter Milan on an £8.5 million deal in 2013. Rated as one of the most promising talents to have emerged out of Brazil back then, the 24-year-old has evolved into one of the best players in the Premier League.
The last two years have seen Coutinho blossom into a key figure for Liverpool, and 2016/17 has been one of the most productive seasons for the Brazil international. He has played 27 matches in all competitions for the Reds this term, bagging seven goals and as many assists.
Coutinho has also established himself as a regular in the national fold with Brazil, and he has become a highly sought after player in Europe in recent months. Several clubs have registered an interest in him, but Barcelona have been heavily linked with a move for the player in recent months.
Many reports have stated that the Catalan club see Coutinho as a long-term replacement for captain Andres Iniesta, who is in the twilight of his storied career. But as Balague pointed out in his column, Barcelona are seeking a more traditional midfielder rather than Coutinho who is seen as a forward.
He said: “Philippe Coutinho is of course a very good player but Barcelona do not want to sign him. Barca are after a midfielder and Coutinho is more of a forward. Marco Verratti is the one they want but he may be too expensive for them.”
Coutinho, on his part, recently committed his long-term future to Liverpool by putting pen to paper on a new five-year deal that kicks into effect at the end of the season. He has also stated that he wants to emulate Liverpool legend over the years by winning titles and securing his legacy in the club’s history books.
Balague’s assertion of Barcelona not having an interest in Coutinho is further good news for Liverpool supporters, with the Brazilian being such a key player for the club.
With the Reds aiming to contest for the Premier League title in the coming season, Coutinho is certain to be a vital cog in their fortunes, and his long-term presence at Anfield will ease the concerns for Jurgen Klopp too.