German magazine Der Spiegel in partnership with whistleblower website Football Leaks have got their hands on the email-conversation between Liverpool and Barcelona regarding Philippe Coutinho during the transfer window.
As per Der Spiegel claims, Liverpool’s sporting director Michael Edwards responded to Barcelona’s first bid for Coutinho with a straightforward ‘not for sale at any price’.
The Catalans, though, came back with an improved offer for the 25-year-old in early August, to which Edwards replied: “I kindly ask you to stop harassing Coutinho publicly and privately. No amount of money will change our minds.”
The La Liga club were so desperate to sign Coutinho after losing Neymar to PSG that they couldn’t resist making a third offer of around €125m, despite Liverpool’s resolute stance over the playmaker.
The emails also claim that there was no hidden demand of €200m from Liverpool which suggests that Barcelona’s cock and bull story was simply an excuse to appease angry fans after a failed transfer window. The report adds that the former Inter Milan man was even offered a 5-year deal worth €115m.
While there is no denying that Coutinho submitted a transfer request to leave for his dream club, his silence throughout the matter was unprofessionally used by the Catalan club and their press to unsettle him and turn the supporters against him.
Coutinho has been reintegrated back into the fold and the Brazil international has now made it clear that while he and his family were lured by an attractive job offer from the Spaniards, he is ready to give his best for the Reds now that he is here.
It is highly likely that the Reds could let Coutinho leave next summer as they have already signed a pre-agreement with RB Leipzig for Naby Keita, but Klopp will have to make sure that we get the best out of him as long as he is a Liverpool player.
Do you think Liverpool can keep hold of Coutinho beyond next summer? Let us know your views in comments below.
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