Must Liverpool cut their losses on Philippe Coutinho this January?
Philippe Coutinho has seen his once prized Anfield career drag on quite considerably in recent weeks. The quick-footed Brazilian was largely expected to part ways with Liverpool at some point across the summer, with Barcelona reportedly keen on braking the old proverbial bank just to acquire his services.
The highly expected move failed to materialize in the end of course, leading some to question whether or not the midfielder was destined to play out the remainder of his playing days on Merseyside after all.
Being told Philippe Coutinho doesn't intend to play for Liverpool again and is confident the deal with Barcelona will get done this winter. According to his entourage, a matter of a few days. More chapters to come
— Marcus Alves (@alves_marcus) January 3, 2018
Now with the January transfer window already fast upon us however, it seems as if the 25-year-old South American isn’t willing to take his chances this time around. His heart appears set on that big money move to Barca, whilst there is little the Anfield faithful can seemingly do to change his mind.
Yet a number of alluring outcomes still remain open for the in-demand Brazilian. Does Philippe Coutinho opt to align himself with Barcelona regardless of the consequences this January, or could an extended stay among Jurgen Klopp’s side still await the widely admired goal-scorer in the not too distant future?
Best thing @LFC is agree the BIG fee for Coutinho to go in the summer like we’ve done with Keita, not now. What do the club gain by doing it now? Top 4 & CL progression seriously risked if they sell in Jan, & difficult to replace him now. If he goes on strike he damages himself.
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) January 3, 2018
Coutinho obviously remains something of a world class talent, both within the Premier League and the wider European game. He can score goals for fun from all manner of testing angles and scenarios, whilst his ability to turn out match-winning performances has been perennially on the rise.
Although certain question-marks once lingered around his overall consistency and reliability, today Coutinho is seen as an incalculable talent, cherished and valued by all those beguiled Liverpool fans who are lucky enough to see him in action for their side.
Man I thought Sterling was a snake.. Coutinho is making him look like a decent guy right about now…….
— Moby ? LFC Scout (@MobyHaque) January 3, 2018
But nothing seemingly lasts forever within the world of top-flight Premier League football. The Reds have previously encountered almost this exact same scenario with the fate of Luis Suarez of course, with Philippe Coutinho reportedly keen on following in the Uruguayan’s footsteps.
Whilst Liverpool remain one of the standout outfits among the English game, they arguably represent very little in the grand scheme of things when compared with Barcelona. For this reason alone – and the potential to link up with none other than Lionel Messi himself at the Nou Camp – it seems rather obvious where Coutinho’s ambitions really lie.
Coutinho legit carried us from the time suarez left to this season. You can’t replace that. He is priceless.
— ??احمد (@NyIanderr) December 31, 2017
Should Liverpool ultimately concede defeat in the quest to hold onto him this January, the Reds would subsequently receive a crazy amount of cash for the sacrifice. This extended wealth of resources could be pointed at improving Jurgen Klopp’s back-line and central-midfield options, whilst the likes of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane continue their relentless escapades in attack.
Liverpool could theoretically improve their entire first team squad with the sale of just one player, possibly transforming their overall title winning chances as a result. In many respects, the Reds arguably no longer require someone like Coutinho whilst Salah and co. continue to find the back of the net with real style and urgency.
Coutinho would go down as the biggest snake in Liverpool. Suárez and Sterling left in the summer understandable at least and Torres left because our club was in a massive mess.
— SamueI (@VintageSalah) January 3, 2018
Yet what good would ultimately come from selling Coutinho this month? Barcelona would be unable to register him among their Champions League ambitions, whilst their current league form has hardly been crying out for some much needed updates in the attacking third of the pitch.
Liverpool must finish among the top-four this season to consider the 2017/18 campaign anything close to a resounding success. Without Coutinho in place to fire in the goals and register countless assists for his side, that particular task is made all the more difficult for Jurgen Klopp’s team.
Liverpool need Coutinho to keep the push on the top 4 as well as the knock out rounds of the CL. Barca can’t use him in the CL this season and are 11pts clear in La Liga. All the ingredients for a mega deal signed now, arrive 1 July. Perfect for both clubs and player
— Chris Williams (@Chris78Williams) January 3, 2018
In the end, Liverpool could consider themselves somewhat successful if they manage to postpone the Brazilian’s big money move until the summer. In similar fashion to the way they have acquired RB Leipzig’s Naby Keita in the previous window, Coutinho could potentially remain at Anfield until the end of term with life at Barcelona waiting patiently on the horizon.
If such an outcome could be theoretically achieved this January, Liverpool would have their star man on board for the remainder of the season, possibly claiming an all-important top-four spot in the process, whilst Coutinho would be free to move on in the summer and begin his new role at arguably the most prestigious club in the whole of world football.
That way, everyone’s a winner.
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