PSG’s enquiry for Philippe Coutinho has reportedly been turned down by Liverpool as the Reds are demanding a sum of £87 million for the Brazilian.
According to a report by The Mirror, Liverpool have turned down an enquiry made by Paris Saint-Germain for their attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho. The French giants are looking to revamp their side after losing out on the Ligue 1 title to Monaco last season and have identified Coutinho as a prime target.
To sign the Brazilian midfielder, though, PSG will have to cough up £87 million and that is unlikely to be an issue for the cash-rich club.
Philippe Coutinho has rightfully attracted plenty of attention with his dazzling performances for Liverpool over the last season.
The Brazilian superstar scored 13 times for Liverpool in the Premier League last season and also played as Brazil’s captain during their post-season tour which only goes to show how quickly he has improved his game and progressed through the ranks.
In fact, Coutinho has only gone from strength to strength under Jurgen Klopp at Anfield and established himself as Liverpool’s most influential attacker last season. In addition to scoring 13 goals, he also notched up seven assists and created a massive 65 chances and these numbers are evidence enough to prove that Coutinho is a strong attacker.
The 25-year-old did sign a long-term deal at Anfield earlier this year which saw him become the highest-earning player in the squad, but it remains to be seen if he will continue with the Merseyside club this summer since he has been continuously linked with a move away from Anfield.
Considering how Coutinho has improved, his main focus right now should undoubtedly be on taking his game to a world class level next season. Playing for PSG might provide him a bigger stage but Coutinho will have to fight for his place in a team which already has quality midfielders like Marco Verratti and Blaise Matuidi.
Earlier reports also suggested that Spanish giants Barcelona were interested in signing the Brazilian but Coutinho could face a similar problem there and not receive adequate playing time which is exactly what he needs at this stage of his career.
If he chooses to stay with Liverpool instead, he can focus all his energy into ensuring the Reds make it through their Champions League playoff clash and really make himself indispensable for the team. Coutinho is at that point in his career where he needs to continue playing as the main man in order to develop further.
That may not be possible with PSG but at Liverpool, Coutinho is truly a force to be reckoned with. Maintaining that form by playing more is what might be best suited for him right now.
