Jamie Carragher has reacted to Coutinho’s transfer request in the manner in which many Liverpool fans have.
He’s surprised, disappointed – and thinks FSG have no choice but to keep their word and refuse to sell Barcelona the Brazilian.
Despite the request, Liverpool’s stance has publicly and privately remained the same: Coutinho is not for sale at any price and will be expected to accept out decision in a professional manner.
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“I didn’t think he would put in a transfer request, if I’m being honest,” Carragher said on Friday Night Football.
“I said he’s not that type of player – but I don’t know what that means when you say that. We’re all that type at different times.
“I was surprised by it. I don’t know if it was a reaction to the club coming out and making a statement earlier in the day.
“It’s a similar situation to Luis Suarez, where he put in a transfer request and was made to stay by FSG at that time, but you always felt he’d only be at the club for 12 months.
“Before Coutinho put in this request I thought Liverpool would keep him and he’d probably go in 12 months.
“If this bid had come in at the end of May, someone offered over £100m and you had potential targets lined up, you could understand it.
“But Liverpool have got no time to replace him. They can’t get players in at the moment anyway and they’ve got a lot of money to spend.
“I don’t see any way the club would let Coutinho go. I said there’d be a riot if he went and I still stand by that.
“And I’ll be part of that riot!”
Before the summer began, stories emanated from the club that we’d spend close to £200m on new talent and keep our best players following our Champions League qualification.
But on the first day of the season, Coutinho wants out and the only player of genuine note we’ve bought is Mo Salah.
A central defender and a central midfielder have been targeted, but not signed – leaving many supporters feeling disillusioned.
With 20 days left of the window, we have no idea what will happen. In an ideal world, we’ll keep Phil, bring in Virgil van Dijk and a midfielder. This window though has so far taught us not to expect too much, as have most of them under FSG’s watch.