Klopp: We will not be selling Coutinho
Jürgen Klopp says Liverpool will resist any attempt by Barcelona to sign Philippe Coutinho this summer, as he looks to bolster his squad rather than lose his star player.
Catalan media continue to promote Coutinho as a prime target for the La Liga superpower, claiming that they have been quoted a price in the region of £70million.
Liverpool are adamant they have not even entertained the idea of a sale, let alone set a price. Coutinho has no clause in the deal he signed this season, although Klopp has attempted to fend off any bid by joking that a “£400million” tag has been put in the contract.
The club know from recent history the difficulties of retaining prized assets should Barcelona or Real Madrid make a move, but Klopp does not believe he will lose any of his main men.
“When did he sign his new contract?” said Klopp, when asked about the Coutinho speculation. Reminded it was January, Klopp added: “With a £400million clause!
“There are absolutely no plans [to sell him]. What our owners say is there is the absolute opportunity not to sell anybody if we do not want to. That means we can bring in other players, and it is a good situation. We have a stable squad with a good basis. We want to bring a few in with fresh blood but nobody will leave without our say-so. I am completely relaxed about this.”
Liverpool lost Luis Suárez to Barcelona for £70million in 2014, although the circumstances were different. After the player had sought a move a year earlier, Liverpool were able to retain the Uruguayan for a further 12 months on the understanding that they would listen to such a bid. Suárez signed a contract shortly before he left with an exit clause guaranteeing that Liverpool received a huge fee.
Klopp is seeking to add top quality rather than cash in this summer, and there is also a feeling that the timing is not right for Coutinho to move to the Nou Camp as the nowlegendary era of Neymar, Suárez and Lionel Messi has life in it yet.
Meanwhile, Sadio Mané celebrated being voted Liverpool’s player of the year by supporters and team-mates by vowing to return stronger than ever. Mané damaged knee ligaments in the Merseyside derby, and has been missed as his side seek two more wins to guarantee a top-four finish.
“It’s getting better, much better,” Mané said. “The operation went well. Soon, I will be running again and I should be fine for the start of pre-season.”