It appears Liverpool are preparing for Philippe Coutinho's departure.
The transfer is almost certain to happen, but it could be argued it makes no sense for Liverpool to sell now, or for Barcelona to push so hard to get him this month, rather than wait until the summer. Liverpool are under no pressure to sell Coutinho in January, and his value will only rise after the World Cup, they rejected three bids for the Brazilian before the season started, and his exit to Barcelona could derail their progress in the league and Europe this season.
Yet, reports suggest the 25-year-old's departure from Anfield could be confirmed before the fixture with Manchester City on January 14. Barcelona are reportedly preparing a fourth bid for him, worth
£142m.
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The midfielder will be ineligible for Barcelona's European games should the transfer happen this month, and the Catalan club are nine points clear at the top of La Liga. However, they are preparing to make Coutinho the second-most expensive footballer in history.
Liverpool fans have resigned themselves to losing Coutinho, whether it happens in January or in the summer. When it does eventually occur, thoughts will turn to the club's plans for the large sum they will receive. According to Miguel Delaney, writing in
The Independent, Liverpool have a "contingency plan" in place for the loss of Coutinho.
According to the report:
- Liverpool are still very interested in Thomas Lemar. They are considering making a move for the Monaco midfielder this month, and it could cost them £100m. Monaco rejected Liverpool's bid of £75m for Lemar last summer.
- If they can't get Lemar this month, and do lose Coutinho, Liverpool could try sign Riyad Mahrez. The Leicester City midfielder was named Player of the Year in 2016, and has been in very good form this season.
- The club are also looking at signing a new goalkeeper. Atletico Madrid's Jan Oblak would be their number one choice, but his release clause is worth £100m. Roma's Allison, and Stoke goalkeeper Jack Butland, are other goalkeepers they have monitored.
Lemar is highly-rated throughout European football, and has been linked with Arsenal and Manchester United. Arsenal had a bid worth £92m accepted for the 22-year-old on deadline day last summer, only for the deal to fall through after the player reportedly rejected a move to the Emirates. Mahrez has proven his quality in the Premier League over the past few seasons, while the club evidently recognise the need for a new 'keeper.
In January 2011, Liverpool received £50m for Fernando Torres, but spent £35m on Andy Carroll on the same night. However, fans of the club will be relieved to learn that the club at least appear to have a better plan in place now for the loss of a big player.
