Liverpool Star Coutinho Demands Immediate Move As Barcelona Finalise £133m Deal

The January transfer window is now open so clubs are working hard trying to strengthen their squads for the second half of the season and put deals in place for the summer. Today, the latest on Philippe Coutinho’s move to Barcelona…

Philippe Coutinho is demanding an immediate move to Spain as Barcelona put the finishing touches on a deal that will be worth up to £133m to Liverpool, according to Goal.

Barcelona have renewed their interest in signing Coutinho this month after failing to strike a deal with Liverpool during a drawn-out saga throughout the summer transfer window.

The Reds refused to do business with the Catalans and to be fair to Coutinho he’s still worked hard this season having provided 12 goals and 8 assist in all competitions so far.

However, the Brazilian international is once again agitating for a move to Spain and while many feel it would be best for all parties to agree a deal that would see Coutinho leave in June, Goal claim both Barca and the player are demanding the deal is done this month.

There is a feeling that Liverpool’s stance is softening with Jurgen Klopp insisting he doesn’t want the saga to drag on throughout January while widespread reports suggest the club are already in talks to sign Coutinho’s replacement with Thomas Lemar emerging as a prime target.

Goal claim that Barcelona are now putting the finishing touches on a new offer worth around £133m (€150m) which would see them pay Liverpool £106m (€120m) up front and the rest in achievable add ons.

That deal would be a new British transfer record as it would eclipse the £93m Manchester United paid for Paul Pogba while Coutinho would also become the third highest transfer of all-time.

It remains to be seen whether this new offer will be acceptable to Liverpool but the report suggests that it’s now a matter of ‘when’ not ‘if’ the deal gets agreed so it looks like Coutinho will be leaving Anfield over the coming weeks.

I still feel an agreement for Coutinho to join Barca at the end of the season would be best for all parties as it’s also a risk for the player to change clubs mid-season, particularly in a World Cup year.

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However, if the 25-year-old is determined to move to the Nou Camp this month then Liverpool need to get the best deal they can and secure a top class replacement as quickly as possible.