It’s on. Several well-placed sources are reporting that Liverpool have struck a deal with Barcelona that will see Philippe Coutinho join the Catalans in exchange for €160million (about £142million).
Liverpool were hoping to fend off Barca’s advances until the summer but it would appear that the relentless pestering has worn down their resolve.
Indeed, James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo reckons the wheels are now in motion, with a fee agreed and an official announcement now imminent…
Liverpool have agreed a deal worth 160m Euros (£142m) for the sale of Coutinho to Barcelona. #LFC
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceEcho) January 6, 2018
Coutinho flying to Spain. His reps believe an official announcement will follow this evening
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceEcho) January 6, 2018
The Telegraph add that the deal is poised to go through “within hours” and will be the largest transfer ever involving a British football club.
The move includes a significant immediate down-payment following by achievable, guaranteed add-ons.
There you go. What Barcelona want, Barcelona generally tend to get, whether by fair means or foul.
Coutinho’s departure was inevitable, but at least he kept plugging away, giving it his all right until the end of his Reds tenure when there must have been a temptation to take his foot off the pedal a bit.
This is the next level, and we’re certain he’ll be an instant success on the elite stage.