Philippe Coutinho has had a difficult time since swapping Anfield for the Spanish champions Barcelona just over a year ago – and it could actually cost the Reds significantly.
According to the Daily Mirror, the Reds would lose up to £17.6 million if Coutinho is sold in the summer because certain bonuses included by Michael Edwards when the deal was struck would not yet have been reached.
Manchester United, of all clubs, have been linked with a move to sign him, which he surely would not agree to – that would be the ultimate betrayal.
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Wherever he might end up, though, should he be sold by the Catalans, the Reds could lose out financially.
For instance, Liverpool will receive around £4.4 million for every 25 La Liga appearances he makes up until his 100th match; Coutinho is currently seven games away from reaching his half-century.
Barca fans jeered him as he played for them against Rayo Vallecano over the weekend, so an exit might not be as unlikely as it sounds. As much as he’s not been there long and came in for a huge fee, it certainly doesn’t sound like he’s enjoying himself.
It might be best for the Reds that Coutinho’s form turns around – financially speaking, as well as to completely rule out the possibility of him going to Old Trafford.