19 Aug 2017 09:44:28
There are two positions on Coutinho, both of which are very valid. The first is that players have too much power over their clubs, that he signed a contract recently and that should mean something. From that perspective I'm delighted with Liverpool's position, they have to agree to the sale and if they don't that's it. Hopefully, in the future players will think long and hard about signing a contract rather than pushing for as much money as they can get and not worry about anything else.

The second is that Coutinho is a human being with dreams and aspirations. When people get an opportunity to advance their careers that should be supported. Couts has been brilliant for us and, through any reasonable prism, Barcelona's offer is a good one so no one's trying to screw over Liverpool.

I'm in a funny position where I want him to both stay and go. Stay because it's good for football and good for Liverpool but go because in a grown up world we should support players dreams irregardless of what's in our own best interests. It's a very confusing time.

1.) 19 Aug 2017
19 Aug 2017 10:23:11
Its just a shame that barca's offer isn't good though, and is actually insulting, and proving they think the world revolves around them. They are acting like a spoilt brat in my opinion and are very hurt by the damage caused by losing Neymar. Too not make a massive statement in return shows they are falling down the footballing pecking order and is not a situation they want to be in.

2.) 19 Aug 2017
19 Aug 2017 10:24:55
Putney, s see your point BUT you are missing a few very critical points here. Cou orchestrated this saga himself by literally tapping up Barcelona via his agent and Neymar to sign him. This is not a case of Barcelona coming for him on their own. That is his fault and should own up to that.

Secondly, if he did want to leave, why did he sign the new deal with a raise and the signing bonus (maybe) that came with it? he could have rejected it and we would have all been fine with it.

Thirdly, Barcelona are putting pressure on Cou to force the deal thru via the media and their PR team, saying we afre negotiating with them whereas, LFC doesn't even know what the guy looks like in person.

For a team that does not want to sell, received a pathetic offer full of useless add-ons (or adding their dross players as make-weight), and for owners who have stepped in a la Suarez saga saying he won't be sold, these are disgusting, under-handed tactics that any American owner will NEVER tolerate. Cou may want to leave but NOTHING depends on him and he himself knows it. For these reasons, I would not sell and the owners agree with me and many of us on this.

3.) 19 Aug 2017
19 Aug 2017 10:37:58
Thus is easy to solve, if a player comes toba club as a stepping stone, he shoukd be honest and say it from the start. Sign shorter contracts with a significant less salary.

4.) 19 Aug 2017
19 Aug 2017 10:56:06
He can have his dream. when we find a replacement I say mate. He shouldn't have signed his contract if he wanted out. And in today's money mad market we are getting screwed with Barcelona offering money in dribs and drabs and certain add ons which may or may not happen! Full fee upfront in full then we need to help him with has bags (as his poor back is sore)