In his column for The Sunday World, former Liverpool striker John Aldridge has suggested that the Reds would have little chance of keeping Philippe Coutinho if Barcelona were to make an offer.
The Brazilian has been in good form so far this season for the Anfield side with him linking up well alongside compatriot Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane to propel the club into a title challenge.
The speculation around him joining Barcelona has kicked up several gears, though, in light of these displays with shades of the Luis Suarez transfer in 2014 becoming apparent.
And, for Aldridge, there isn’t much the club could do to stop the former Inter Milan following suit and joining the La Liga side:
“While I have great passion for Liverpool and would never look to leave that club, Coutinho will not have the same level of loyalty and he’ll be off if Barcelona make a move for him.” The former Irish international writes.
“South American players will always feel at home in Spain as the culture, climate and style of football is what they are used to and it wouldn’t surprise me if playing for Barcelona is a dream for Coutinho.
“Liverpool have a fine squad, a wonderful manager and they are playing some brilliant football, but that doesn’t count for much if one of the world’s super-clubs comes knocking.”
Coutinho was stretchered off in the Reds’ last game at home to Sunderland at the weekend with the extent of any possible lay-off remaining to be revealed.
The Brazilian has five goals and five assists from his 13 Premier League appearances so far.
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