Report: Liverpool board were euphoric over Coutinho sale

Liverpool’s hierarchy were reportedly ecstatic when Philippe Coutinho’s transfer to Barcelona went through after getting more money than they originally thought for the player.

The Reds eventually decided to let Coutinho realise his dream in January 2018 after the Brazilian had handed in a transfer request as he tried to force a move months before he left.

According to Sport, the Reds got far more than they had originally anticipated for the player after PSG’s huge move for Neymar from Barcelona that shifted the transfer market as we knew it.

The Spanish outlet goes on to claim that Liverpool officials always knew they were fighting a losing battle to keep Coutinho on board, but worked the player and the market to their advantage brilliantly in order to secure the huge windfall.

Furthermore, Sport claims that Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, while publicly claiming he had no intention of selling the player, secretly knew the 26-year-old would struggle to fit into his style of play.

While that seems a ridiculous suggestion given Liverpool’s goals from midfield have dipped significantly since Coutinho’s departure, what has been proved is the Brazilian’s struggles in LaLiga.

After initially appearing to adapt well to his new environment, Coutinho has seen his form dip dramatically this season to the point whereby he is now said to have green lighted a return to the Premier League – possibly with Manchester United.

However, it seems his chances of making an emotional return to Anfield look remote, with reports suggesting Klopp has instead decided on a cut-price alternative in the shape of Juan Carlos Quintero.

Barcelona have themselves insisted that Coutinho was bought with a long-term vision in mind, but Sport suggests in private the club now regrets the transfer.