Ex-Liverpool striker: ‘Sell Coutinho, buy Mata’

Ian Watson

Ex-Liverpool striker Dean Saunders insists Philippe Coutinho is “replaceable” and has suggested three players who could take the playmaker’s place.

Coutinho is being heavily linked with Barca, who reportedly had a £72million bid rejected by Liverpool, but the Catalans’ interest remains strong.

The Brazilian is understood to fancy the move, but Liverpool are reluctant to sell and have put a huge price-tag upon the 25-year-old.

Saunders believes Liverpool should listen to a huge offer for Coutinho. He also lists Juan Mata and Gylfi Sigurdsson as possible replacements, alongside Real Madrid star Isco, who Saunders seems to believe is available for £30million.

“For me, £100million? Sell him. Sell him,” Saunders told Talksport when asked about Coutinho. “For £100m, he’s replaceable.

“You could sign Isco for £30m. He’s not going to get a game at Real Madrid.

“Juan Mata, Sigurdsson. There’s players you can sign to replace Coutinho.

Saunders says Coutinho would not be as great a loss to Liverpool as Luis Suarez was when he moved to Barcelona in 2014.

“Suarez – irreplaceable. There’s certain players who are irreplaceable.

“Coutinho’s replaceable for me. £100m? The last game I watched, he was brilliant, he made the difference in pre-season but £100m?

“And by the way, once they knock the door as a player he’s gone.”