Barcelona to return with mega money bid for Liverpool star

Catalan newspaper Sport have reported that Barcelona are weighing up a big money bid for Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho.

The blaugrana are believed to be keen to add to their attacking options, particularly with a move for a player capable of playing both wide and centrally, and the Brazilian has been lined up accordingly. Andres Iniesta’s future at the club is still believed to be up in the air, so there could yet be a place up for grabs in the Barca midfield before long.

Given that Coutinho only extended his contract at Liverpool this season until 2022, the La Liga giants’ firm interest suggests that they do see the 24-year old as a potential starter, with The Reds likely to hold out for a fee in excess of £50m.

Barcelona are reportedly considering ways to drive the price down so a bid that would include a player or players moving in the opposite direction could yet be forthcoming. Coutinho has enjoyed the most prolific season of his career despite missing a decent portion of it through injury, reaching double figures for goals (10) while also registering 6 assists.

His trickery and quality in tight spaces would certainly appeal to a club of Barcelona’s style, though with opportunities in a front three limited, deploying Coutinho in a midfield three could be an expensive gamble to take.