YOU’LL NEVER WALK AWAY?
Klopp’s defiance over Coutinho being put to the test by Barca
WHEN Jurgen Klopp indicated at the start of the summer it could prove to be a pivotal one for Liverpool, he didn’t quite realise just how much.
After three seasons of balancing the books, the Reds boss (above) had envisaged some serious investment in big-money signings.
And yet, as August approaches, it is a much more familiar pattern that is unfolding.
Once again – ominously – Barcelona are circling for one of Anfield’s finest, just as they have done so often in recent years.
So, once again, the manager faces a fight to persuade his star player there is an equally bright future at Anfield. It is a hard sell at the best of times, given Barca’s status as world leaders.
But even harder when it is to South Americans who consider the Catalan club, along with Real Madrid, the ultimate destination.
There was no persuading Javier Mascherano and he exited quickly, with Liverpool not making even a particularly healthy profit on the midfielder.
At least they did triple their money for Luis Suarez.
This time though, the fight to keep Philippe Coutinho has taken on even more desperate urgency, in part because those summer spending plans have not unfolded as envisaged.
Far from bringing in the five or six major signings Klopp believes he needs to cover an assault on both the Premier League and Champions League, only one expensive purchase has arrived. And worse, Klopp has been forced to abandon his £70million-plus pursuit of Leipzig central midfielder Naby Keita.
Now Liverpool must show the same sort of resistance as Leipzig.
Because if Coutinho leaves, then even the signing of Virgil van Dijk would not appease fans expecting so much more.
Liverpool are remarkably relaxed about the situation so far, in part because Coutinho has just signed a new five-year contract, and has shown no signs of being ready to force a move – even if he naturally has interest in Barca’s intentions. Yet there is also a realism around Anfield.
Yes, they can turn down the £72m that was tentatively offered by Lionel Messi’s club, in part because it was not a firm bid, nor anywhere near enough at today’s inflated prices.
But if Neymar – as now seems more likely – does leave for Paris Saint-Germain, then Barcelona could find themselves with some very angry fans demanding bigname signings, and a £250m-plus war chest with which to do the business.
Reports have already emerged of contingency plans because the feeling is that Neymar may have made up his mind to leave the Nou Camp. Some at the decision-making end at Barcelona regard that as not such a bad thing.
They want Coutinho to replace Andres Iniesta, and would still have more than adequate funds to chase a replacement for Neymar, with Eden Hazard and Dele Alli viable targets.
For Liverpool though, it is their little Brazilian who has become the unwanted story of the summer.
Klopp has already spoken to the midfielder at length, and has been reassured that there will be no Suarez-style strike-threat dramas.
Yet there is still a battle for the heart and mind of the 25-year-old, who has made some quiet, but distinct, noises about Barca in the last few months.
Klopp has spoken about statues being built of Coutinho, and has also emphasised he is guaranteed to play regularly at Anfield, and is therefore virtually guaranteed a Brazil starting place at next year’s World Cup. At the Nou Camp, there is no such assurance.
So far, Liverpool are winning the battle, despite the PR campaign directed from Spain.
It appears only an eye-watering bid well in excess of £100m would change the current narrative.
But it remains a depressingly familiar tale for Liverpool fans, particularly in a close-season supposed to play out very differently from recent vintages.
This time, the fight to keep Coutinho has taken on an even more desperate urgency