Philippe Coutinho: Liverpool midfielder submits transfer request
Last updated on .From the section Football
Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho has submitted a transfer request, hours after the Premier League club released a statement saying he is not for sale.
Coutinho stated his desire to leave via email. The club rejected the request.
On Wednesday, the Reds rejected a 100 million euros bid (Β£90m) from Barcelona for the 25-year-old, who is out of Saturday's trip to Watford with injury.
In a statement on Friday, the club's owners said its "definitive stance" was that "no offers will be considered".
Speaking at an earlier news conference previewing the league match at Vicarage Road (12:30 BST kick-off), Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said the Brazilian would miss the season opener because of a back problem.
Klopp said he was also a doubt for Tuesday's Champions League play-off first leg at Hoffenheim as he had "not been in training since last Friday".
Coutinho, who scored 14 goals in all competitions last season, signed a new five-year deal in January that did not include a release clause. He joined Liverpool from Inter Milan for Β£8.5m in 2013.
Barcelona have also had a bid rejected for Borussia Dortmund's 20-year-old forward Ousmane Dembele since they sold Brazil forward Neymar to Paris St-Germain for a world record Β£200m last week.
The German club confirmed they met Barca representatives but the offer did not meet their valuation of the France international.
How a topsy-turvy Friday unfolded
- 10:00 BST - Liverpool's owners Fenway Sports Group releases statement saying its "definitive stance" is that "no offers for Coutinho will be considered".
- 11:00 - Jurgen Klopp holds his pre-match news conference and says Coutinho has a back problem and is likely to miss the next two games. The German says the midfielder has not fully trained in a week.
- 12:20 - Reports surface that Coutinho has handed in a transfer request. Sky Sports reports a member of his family as saying: "Philippe has tried very hard to find an amicable solution to this situation but to no avail."
- 12:30 - Liverpool deny reports Coutinho has asked to leave.
- 13:50 - It emerges Coutinho emailed the club after training, stating his desire to leave.
Analysis
BBC Sport's Simon Stone
Less than three weeks before the end of the transfer window, Liverpool now find themselves in a very tricky position. The club are adamant they will not sell - but what about the player?
As I understand it, Coutinho does not want to fall out with Liverpool, or their fans, and spoil what has been an enjoyable four-and-a-half years at Anfield.
However, the brutal truth is Barcelona are currently a more successful club.
Almost as important is the fact that they, and Real Madrid, hold an attraction for most South American players that is difficult to resist, as Liverpool experienced with Luis Suarez.
Little wonder Coutinho is desperate to make the move.
BBC Radio 5 live's Ian Dennis
Liverpool's stance remains the same but this is significant with a change of attitude from the player.
Previously it seemed Coutinho was content to take an amicable approach. However, his request submitted via email is designed to try and force the issue.
The club are adamant that no offers will be considered but what are the repercussions regarding the relationship with Coutinho and the fans now?
Liverpool are resolute he's not for sale and are in a position of strength because he's under contract until 2022.
Comments
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who_dat
who_dat
BOOM! Philippe who? Today proved we don't even need him, in fact we're stronger than ever. Comfortable 3-2 win
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This must be the funniest post I've seen yet, thank you Jimbob, you're real wit.
What's the betting you'll change your name to something else, embarrassed??
1954 Shenanigans
Thats what agents do, where Liverpool went wrong is by admitting arrogantly that Klopp had met VVD not agents or representatives.
It's not even a subtle difference but an important one.
Travers_T_O_Justice
I came on to read about a wider phenomenon on which I posted.
You and your ilk decided to descend once again into how far you can get the urine up the wall. You destroyed English football and are rolling around in the filth that's left, abusing for the sake of abuse.
All these players are "injured" and so not cup-tied but in demand . You just want a fight. You can't see that
RedGreggos
1954 Shenanigans
who_dat
Mock me all you want, but I do genuinely believe this will be our year.
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We don't need to mock you, you're doing a splendid job yourself.
1954 Shenanigans
The difference was, one team had Miguel Britos, the other looked like it was managed by Gordon Brittas
NormanWhitesidesaysso
You're on a wind up here aren't you? Surely?
Haha. If not it's funny either way.
robin
Lukakus 12th goal drought - 274 mins
U16715469
Comfortable 3-2 win,.
Mock me all you want, but I do genuinely believe this will be our year.
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ππππ it was 3-3 ππππ
Lukakus 12th goal drought - 274 mins
Mock me all you want, but I do genuinely believe this will be our year.
1954 Shenanigans
There's so many wum comments it's been hilarious reading but he won't be sold, simple.
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And this is based on what exactly?
1954 Shenanigans
Life changes fast.
U16702482
SHOCKING DEFENDING
NormanWhitesidesaysso
Lfc are stuck in mediocre times and even with money that's where they'll stay.
nick_tt
Interesting to see all the BBC pundits and others alike now though saying Liverpool must sell, yet nobody makes statements to say that VVD must be sold, or Costa must be let go then....honestly a hilarious bunch of jealous folk.
It's simple timing, VVD stated at Easter he was going, not start of the season
nicknack1
He's not going to turn up now anyway is he? It'll be "he's not in the right frame of mind" to play meaning he doesn't want to.
Still as a gooner CL will be looking more promising!
mortified penguin