- Coutinho will not be leaving Liverpool to join Barcelona this January
- Spanish reports that suggest the contrary are completely fabricated
- Brazilian was rested midweek but should return to side for Brighton clash
- SEE MORE: Liverpool’s Predicted XI v Brighton; Coutinho returns as Klopp goes all out
Guillem Balague has rubbished recent reports that Coutinho could leave Liverpool this January, with Spanish outlets suggesting a move to Barcelona is a winter possibility.
The Spanish journalist is adamant that Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp haven’t changed our stance on our no.10, who wasn’t allowed an exit over the summer despite him handing in a transfer request the day before the season started.
Here’s what Balague wrote in his column for Sky Sports:
“Number one, it’s been reported that Liverpool asked for €200m for him at the end of the transfer window – that is absolutely not true. That was a figure that was used by somebody in the middle in an attempt to convince Barcelona that if they tabled a crazy bid Liverpool would accept. But Liverpool never gave any indication that Coutinho had a price.
“Number two, the stories emerging now that Liverpool have been talking to Barcelona, and that they are willing to change their position in January are totally false. Liverpool and Barcelona have not been talking directly, Liverpool are not interested right now, as things stand, in selling Coutinho.
“Number three, it’s being said in the Catalan press that Liverpool have a price they would like for Coutinho but that is a lie. No price has been put forward and, as it stands, Liverpool’s position has not changed.”
Just as they were throughout the summer, the articles coming from Spanish publications have been conjured from thin air.
There’s no developments in the Coutinho to Barcelona transfer story. The Catalans want him, but Liverpool are not in a position where we need to sell – especially considering he’s still got over four years on his contract.
Expect the likes of SPORT and Mundo Deportivo to increase their speculation throughout December, but this is to sell newspapers and unsettle the player.
There’s no truth to it. Coutinho’s ours for the season.