The news that we’ve been dreading for months finally arrived on Saturday, with Barcelona confirming their swoop for Philippe Coutinho.
In a transfer saga that dragged on from last summer, the Brazilian magician will complete his move to join Barca in the coming days, while the Reds will have to plan for life without him.
SEE MORE: Klopp opens up on Coutinho exit, important message for LFC fans
Naturally, it has led to a mixed reaction, as while it’s a disappointment to lose one of our best players, we still have a lot to be positive about while the £142m fee received, as per BBC Sport, will hopefully be reinvested back into the squad to strengthen Jurgen Klopp’s hand moving forward.
Coutinho was an influential part of our team and his absence will be a blow, while the timing of his departure is a big frustration given we’re on such a good run and have a crucial part of the campaign coming up as we look to keep our momentum going.
However, with Mo Salah, Firmino and Mane leading our charge along with our new defensive leader in Virgil van Dijk, with the potential of a January arrival if Klopp and the club identify the right player, let’s hope that we can maintain the standards that we’ve set in recent weeks.
For some, the disappointment of seeing Coutinho leave is the overriding feeling in the matter, but for others, there is still much to be left feeling reassured that things will continue on their current trajectory and we can indeed continue to move closer to where we want to be.
He’s not peak Gerrard. He’s not peak Suarez. We have great players without him, and will bring in great replacements.
Chill.
— Henry Jackson (@HenryJackson87) January 6, 2018
Ridiculous amount of money, that. Think we’ll actually be Ok without him – doubt I’ll forget the let-off he caused at Old Trafford, though. Needed oxygen after that!
— Ian Bolland (@imboll) January 6, 2018
Losing Phil hurts & the means which Barca & Phil used to finally get what they wanted weren’t ideal. But Phil always gave his best for us & gave us some brilliant memories. We have to appreciate that & respect his decision. Not the best way to leave but good luck little magician!
— Bianca (@LovingLallana) January 6, 2018
When Suarez went to Barca he took all of #LFC‘s hopes with him, to listen to the coaching staff afterwards.
Coutinho’s exit, whilst disappointing, will not hit Liverpool as hard.
— Jim Boardman (@JimBoardman) January 6, 2018
Absolutely gutted. Selling our best player half way through the season with so much at stake is madness. Bullied into it when we held all the cards. There’s no way LFC benefit from this.
— Joel Rabinowitz (@joel_archie) January 6, 2018
It’s a shame that it had to end this way, you could have left on a high in the summer; you owed the fans that as a minimum. But what’s done is done. There have been many great moments to cherish. Good luck Coutinho, I hope that you achieve what you desire at Barcelona.
— Dharma Bhagalia (@Kloppholic) January 6, 2018
Hard to defend this for LFC, got bullied into selling when we hold all the cards 😨😨😨, just when you thought the club was progressing…
— Chirag Desai (@chigzdesai) January 6, 2018
£142m for Coutinho is a respectable amount. Sad that he’s going but he’s behaved throughout like a true professional
— Pat fenus (@Windin2000) January 6, 2018
We all knew it was coming but still it hurts. Absolutely gutted to be losing such a magical player but that’s football. All the best @Phil_Coutinho lad
— Charlie (@AnfieldNotion) January 6, 2018
I don’t feel bitter towards Coutinho at all.
He’s been at the club for nearly five years and has been fantastic to watch.
Yeah, it’s a massive shame he never won a trophy but he’s given me so many awesome memories.
So many awesome assists and goals.
— ReviewFootball (@ReviewFootball) January 6, 2018