Let’s just say that Guillem Balague has a certain reputation.
Over the years football fans have grown more and more cynical about the reliability of Sky Sports’ Spanish football insider.
For whatever reason, everything that Balague says is taken wit a healthy pinch of salt among supporters, particularly when it comes to transfer rumours involving players and teams from La Liga.
This week, Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho found himself the subject of conversation for Balague who, in his column, insists that all the talk linking the Brazilian with a move to Barcelona is nothing but nonsense.
“This has turned into a weekly question. His entourage is clearly working to move him to the Nou Camp. There are different reasons why Barca will not go for him,” Balague wrote for Sky Sports.
This could be the perfect solution https://t.co/wkcCiZgjZc
— JOE (@JOE_co_uk) March 28, 2017
“One is the cost and the other is they think he’s a forward rather than a midfielder. And of course they are completely sorted in attack.
“They are looking for a different type of midfielder. Nobody doubts Coutinho’s quality but Barcelona don’t have the money to be getting three or four top players for their first-choice line-up.”
But sighs of relief around Anfield were few and far between following the update because, to put it frankly, Reds fans didn’t trust Balague’s sources.
It would be great if Balague stopped saying Coutinho isnt going to Barca because it means Coutinho is defintely going to Barca
— bob (@Robbie_OR) May 15, 2017
https://twitter.com/Cruyff_theman/status/864216908731731968
When Balague tells you Barcelona dont want Coutinho, you better get down to Anfield on Sunday & watch him for the last time in a red shirt!
— Apotheosis of Anhedonia (@keswickbro) May 15, 2017
Let's be honest if @GuillemBalague says Barcelona are not interested in Coutinho then they definitely are. Hopefully we'll keep hold of him
— JS (@7Spink11) May 15, 2017
https://twitter.com/LFCCOL77/status/864209319058972672
I'd be worried if I was a scouser. Will probably sign as soon as window opens.
— Jonny (@cometoseeunited) May 16, 2017
Barcelona want and need Coutinho, Guillem Balague is bullshitting. Fortunately the little magician is staying at #lfc for many years to come
— Ahmed Nur (@AhmedNur_LFC) May 15, 2017
