Moving to Liverpool – Report
It is not the first time that Philippe Coutinho has wanted to return to Anfield to revive his career.
In April, Sport ran a story claiming the Brazilian international had contacted the Reds, but the European champions rejected his wish to rejoin. The Spanish source said Barcelona are ready to sell the Samba star this summer at a huge loss, namely for just €75m (£67m).
News – £130,000 a week backed ‘incredible’ striker to secure move to Liverpool
We must not forget that we sold the former Inter Milan playmaker over two years ago in a gigantic deal worth £146m (Sky Sports).
According to The Sunday World, super agent Kia Joorabchian has now confirmed the 28-year-old forward wants to return and is even willing to accept a transfer from Liverpool by taking a pay cut. According to Kevin Palmer, the South American star personally asked Jurgen Klopp in the hope that the German manager would bring him back.
Coutinho was signed by Brendan Rodgers for the Reds in 2013 and the Brazilian immediately became a key member of the squad. However, it was under Klopp that the playmaker showed his best form.
Prior to his departure, the 61-year-old international was our best player of the 2017/18 season, directly scoring 20 goals (Transfermarkt) in the first half of the season. In January 2018, he decided to join Barcelona, a move which has now turned into a nightmare for him. After an average first full season with the Catalan giants, he was loaned out to Bayern Munich last summer. For the German champions, his stats were honestly decent. In 15 league starts (Transfermarkt) so far, he was able to directly contribute 14 goals (8 goals and 6 assists).
Since the beginning of the year, however, he has not been a regular starter because Bayern prefer Thomas Müller to him, who is still in top form this season and has already made 20 assists in the Bundesliga (Transferamarkt). Unfortunately, Coutinho is out at the moment with an ankle injury. The former Nerazzurri striker is a seasoned Premier League player but we haven’t missed him at all since his departure. Yes, we haven’t replaced him yet and we’re missing a natural number 10 in the squad, but to be fair, he needs us way more than we need him.
We’ll see how the transfer saga unfolds during the summer transfer window and we’ll keep you updated. Do you think Klopp should decide to bring Philippe Coutinho back to Anfield?
Also…
Jurgen klopp gives promises on how to make changes at Liverpool but says no departure as he hits back at critics
Jurgen Klopp has vowed there will be a summer of change at Anfield, but his exit from Liverpool will not be one of them.
Liverpool take on Wolves in an FA Cup third round replay on Tuesday and the tie has become hugely important after a 3-0 defeat to Brighton – who are waiting for winners in round four – which Klopp described as the worst from his management career.
The German was in the mood to talk yesterday and, in what felt like an important press conference, Klopp defended himself against criticism that he is too loyal to players, insisted his side still listened to his message, but admitted that Liverpool the element of surprise to their game.
This is without doubt one of the most challenging periods of his seven-year reign, but Klopp’s hunger to rebuild the side is evident and he made it clear he will not shy away from shaking up a group that critics believe is this has become stale. Of course, I’ve heard that I’m too loyal,” said Klopp, who is unlikely to make Darwin Nunez a choice at Molineux. “I’ve heard that before, and I don’t hear it. I’m loyal – I think everyone should be loyal – but I’m not too loyal.
“It’s a smart question. At Borussia Dortmund it was clear when I left (2015) that I said something had to change. It’s a different situation (here). Either the position of the manager changes or many other things change.
“As far as I’m concerned, from what I hear – unless someone tells me (the opposite) – I’m not going. So that means there might come a time when we have to change other things. We’ll see, but that’s for the future, like summer or whatever. Not now. I have space and time to think about it.
We have to play better football now. We can’t play and say, “Okay, these are the problems, but we won’t have them next season.” It’s really long. I can’t promise that tomorrow we will fly, but what I can promise is that we will really fight and everyone can see it.’
It was always going to be a pivotal summer for Liverpool. Klopp has spoken to the owners of Fenway Sports Group about their search for new investment but “he shouldn’t tell you” and there is also a need to hire a new sporting director now that Julian Ward is departing.
There will be a review of his midfield. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita leave as their contracts expire; Deals for backers Roberto Firmino and James Milner both expire in June, but given Klopp’s esteem for them, no one would be surprised if they get a 12-month extension.
Jude Bellingham is Liverpool’s main summer transfer target but Klopp will address that in the future and from now on his thoughts are to find a way to take his side to the level they were at when they reached the final of the FA cup won. Capacity. All I want is to fix this situation, that’s all” Klopp said. it is much more than you expected.
“This is also a fact, but nobody cares. Other teams are flying and that’s okay – we were in that position last year. I am responsible for specific things. With all the things you do, I really think you should be on your best behavior and not blame anyone so you don’t blame yourself.
“I hate it (opponents sorted out Liverpool), but I understand. But I also see it as an opportunity. It’s been a long time since we managed to surprise opponents for just being good or anything, for extended periods of time. Imagine we’re playing really well right now? That would be really cool. We will do it.’