Philippe Coutinho took part in Liverpool training on Friday, but he reportedly is ready to leave Merseyside.
According to multiple reports, just minutes after Fenway Sports Group’s statement that the club would not sell Coutinho during this transfer window, Coutinho e-mailed in a transfer request to Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards.
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Coutinho emailed transfer request to Liverpool sporting director, Michael Edwards, today having reported for training as normal.
— paul joyce (@_pauljoyce) August 11, 2017
Despite the transfer request, multiple reports state that the club’s statement from Friday morning still stands, that Liverpool won’t be selling Coutinho.
Coutinho is arguably Liverpool’s most important player and this transfer saga does the club no good one way or another. If Coutinho isn’t focused mentally on the challenge ahead for Liverpool, he’s as good as gone, and Liverpool would be wise to cash in as soon as they can to try and bring in a replacement.
However, Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp may feel they can convince Coutinho to stay for at least one more season, as the team returns to the UEFA Champions League.
Barcelona has reportedly upped its latest transfer bid to nearly $117 million, though it was rejected by Liverpool.
Philippe Coutinho has asked via email to leave Liverpool. #LFC stance remains the same - resolute he's not for sale.
— Ian Dennis (@Iandennisbbc) August 11, 2017