Coutinho has asked Liverpool to sell him on the day before the season starts.
Respected journalist Paul Joyce confirmed the news on Twitter today, after other Liverpool correspondents had denied Sky Sports’ original report this morning.
Philippe Coutinho has asked to leave Liverpool.
— paul joyce (@_pauljoyce) August 11, 2017
Whether this equates to an actual, official transfer request, like Virgil van Dijk’s, is uncertain.
But the player is now actively seeking a move to Barcelona, who are willing to pay £109m for his services.
Only this morning, Liverpool published a statement on the official website claiming our Brazilian is not for sale at any price, but hours later – the player has told the club he wants to leave…
For us, this seems as if LFC were aware the request was coming, meaning we’re not going to sell despite the player’s wishes – much like Rb Leipzig with Naby Keita.
Either way, it’s going to be a horrible 20-odd days until the window closes.
SEE MORE:
Coutinho’s ‘close family member’ fires shots at LFC for blocking Barca deal
UPDATE:
Liverpool have rejected Coutinho’s transfer request, which was submitted via email this morning.
Liverpool have rejected Coutinho’s transfer request. FSG statement still holds.
— paul joyce (@_pauljoyce) August 11, 2017
Coutinho emailed transfer request to Liverpool sporting director, Michael Edwards, today having reported for training as normal.
— paul joyce (@_pauljoyce) August 11, 2017