Former Liverpool manager Graeme Souness have hinted that if he were still in charge at Anfield he would’ve dropped out with want-away attacker Philippe Coutinho.
The Brazilian international has been the subject of an ongoing transfer rumours since Paris Saint-Germain purchased Neymar in a world-record move from La Liga giants Barcelona.
Coutinho was identified as an ideal replacement for his compatriot, but failed to find a way to break Reds boss Jurgen Klopp’s strong intense that he is not for sale which saw three firm bids for him rejected.
Klopp was hopeful that Salah will be okay to play tomorrow night. Only a sore throat. Also confirmed Coutinho definitely in #LFC squad
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) September 12, 2017
Despite Coutinho handling in a formal request, he was still ultimately unable to complete his dream move to Barca. As a result, the Brazilian is yet to play for the Reds this season despite playing for Brazil during the international break.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the former Liverpool boss, Souness said: “Coutinho is Latin and gets the chance to go to Barcelona; that would be very attractive for him.
Philippe Coutinho trying to think of a new excuse to get him out of the Sevilla game tonight. pic.twitter.com/YYzVHCvMyb
— ODDSbible (@ODDSbible) September 13, 2017
“On the other side of the coin as a Liverpool supporter, part of me wants him to stay. But there’s also a part that says if he wants to go so much, take the money. It really depends what side of the fence you’re on.
“I’ve been a manager so I’d be falling out with him because he signed a contract a year before. But from a player, and I’ve been in that situation, the chance to join Barcelona would be enormous for him. He may see it as a missed opportunity.”
Some have speculated that Coutinho could be tempted to refuse playing for Liverpool’s Champions League fixtures as the player might not want to make himself illegible if Barcelona come back for him in January.
It is likely however he will feature for Klopp’s Liverpool side on Wednesday night in the club’s Champions League first fixture against La Liga side Sevilla.