Philippe Coutinho has appeared to rule out a move to one of Liverpool's Premier League rivals after his agent revealed the Anfield club still 'lies very, very deeply' in the Brazilian star's heart.
Coutinho left Liverpool to join Barcelona in 2018 for an eye-watering £145million - becoming the third most expensive player in the world behind PSG duo Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.
The move has however not worked out as planned. Coutinho has scored 24 goals in 90 games and the Spanish side are reportedly looking to sell him in order to lower their crippled wage bill.
Recent reports in Spain have suggested that Coutinho could be on his way back to England but, according to his agent Kia Joorabchian, this may not be a possibility.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: 'I think Liverpool lies very, very deeply in his heart, he was a big fan of them throughout the campaign (last season).
'He was wishing for them to win the title and he has a very strong affinity there so I think it will be very difficult for him to go to a direct competitor of Liverpool from a personal standpoint.'
Jurgen Klopp has previously ruled out Coutinho's return to Liverpool and unless there's been a dramatic turnaround, a return to the club looks unlikely for the 29-year-old.
Speaking on Pure Football Podcast in April 2020, the German said: 'I really respected Phil's switch from the first second.
'Not that I do that all the time but it felt "oh wow that could be difficult" (Coutinho returning to Liverpool).'
During his time at Liverpool, Coutinho became a fans' favourite - scoring 54 goals and assisting 43 in 201 games.
Nawlotuyz
0
LOVE BB
DEJI22
0
I love Coutinho as a person and as a former Liverpool player but the manner in which he left was and still is insulting to us (YNWA). Liverpool (a club) that raised him to a world class playmaker aka little magician through the help of our former great coach "Rafael Benitez". He left Liverpool for Barcelona because of champion's league yet he didn't carry it rather Liverpool humiliated him and Barcelona and lifted the trophy and even more. I desire to see him play for Liverpool again but will the FSG, coach, players and fans treat him with maximum respect considering his past but in all, i still love him and wish to see him play for us once more. Liverpool should forgive him and give him another chance because he has learnt his greatest mistake in football.
Coutinho came in under Rodgers not under Benitez.
Kauadinpt
0
please bring him back . He love this club somtims it happens in football. 4give him he's a good player
Pemkmrtu
0
I love Coutinho as a person and as a former Liverpool player but the manner in which he left was and still is insulting to us (YNWA). Liverpool (a club) that raised him to a world class playmaker aka little magician through the help of our former great coach "Rafael Benitez". He left Liverpool for Barcelona because of champion's league yet he didn't carry it rather Liverpool humiliated him and Barcelona and lifted the trophy and even more. I desire to see him play for Liverpool again but will the FSG, coach, players and fans treat him with maximum respect considering his past but in all, i still love him and wish to see him play for us once more. Liverpool should forgive him and give him another chance because he has learnt his greatest mistake in football.
skychilee
1
A nice guy and sure have contributed a lot oto the club. But reunion in this period of time is very unlikely coz 1st it is an expensive deal and 2nd he insisted to leave the club when we needed him most. We treasure your loyalty.
Satbdimo
1
Coutinho's response to calls for EPL return
Satbdimo
0
He is just afraid of failing in EPL as he did in LaLiga and of becoming obsolete and obscure like Sanchez.
Caddeimnu
0
Banitez will buy him for Everton
chinedujamesanijaheg
0
I love the guy and I want him back to my Anfield, Ynwa
Justbecause33
0
Go back to Brazil because all Brazilian players are going back home
MrAbbu
0
Phi has made JK broken hearted. No Phi could main his heart back.. be a dreamer PC.
Ruedeklmuz
0
Klopp is busy making another.. coutinho.....Harvey Elliott
Ruedeklmuz
0
P.Coutinho will be coming back to Liverpool once he become a free agent... See you soon....
yap u are true...coutinho loading.... #Elliot
jucbdenost
3
Go wherever and win whatever trophy. Don’t fkin come back to lfc. Lfc is not just only about the trophy or money. It’s all about LOYALTY.
Youalmtuz
0
Liverpool please take Phi back to Anfield…You did same for Michael Owen
Yewabkmort
2
P.Coutinho will be coming back to Liverpool once he become a free agent... See you soon....
Zineopuyz
2
coutinho is coming to Liverpool
YNWApool
0
Coutinho leaving for Barca was a respected decision,so him wanting to return to Anfield should also be respected...
We don’t want to see him in our kit
YNWApool
0
Coutinho leaving for Barca was a respected decision,so him wanting to return to Anfield should also be respected...
We don’t want to see him in our kit
Mouabeiz
2
yes he made a big mistake mr kloop give him another chance.pls
zukackptu
0
Coutinho I was in support of you coming to Barcelona but your f-in up your remaining career look for a club that would appreciate you because your contract will finish and then what would you be worth
Wukablnou
6
coutinho returning to liverpool fc is only day dream, it will never happen, he betrayed our trust, love, our emotional support, and went chasing fame, fortune disrespecting lfc, now that he failed to succeed he want what return, NO WAY the academy lads are waiting for game time
Nizwest
2
not in the manner that he left in, forcing move in the middle of the season? he disrespected Liverpool am a fun of Coutinho abd cheer for him but just not at Liverpool.
Buaeinprsy
1
The problem coutinho have in Barcelona is messi the club want all players for messi messi is in control of Barcelona both players coach president coutinho is very very fine player
kisdlrtu
0
i will like to see him back please my best klopp
He humiliated Klopp after he warned him, stay at Liverpool and you'll be built a statue. Brazilians kind of complex Barca & Madrid.
Singapore1183229
1
Joorabchian is selfish agent . For his own commissions he sold Cuthino to Barca now his style of play fits LFC he is trying to push him to LFC for more commissions.
kisdlrtu
1
Yes that was why he chose Barcelona over Liverpool. The dog returning to his own vomit now 😅
tukcdstuy
0
Please and please Jurgen Klopp on my knees I beg you to pleeeeeeaaaaaaaaasssee bring Coutinho back to Anfield
Facts
Samabityz
1
he was my favorite player of al
Samabityz
2
give the yute a chance
hapbklmuyz
1
i will like to see him back please my best klopp
Wukdeilru
0
Coutinho leaving for Barca was a respected decision,so him wanting to return to Anfield should also be respected...
No bro he left liverpool because he thinking Barcelona biger then ass
wobaenrt
1
Liverpool is smarter than you bro … forget seducing Liverpool now with sweet statements We all know how crazy coutinho went to get out of Liverpool to play with messi at Barca …. The rest is history 😀😃😃
keep jealoussing because Anfield is not like other stadiums we are we
Wukdeilru
0
Please and please Jurgen Klopp on my knees I beg you to pleeeeeeaaaaaaaaasssee bring Coutinho back to Anfield
no no no no please no't him
wobaenrt
0
Please and please Jurgen Klopp on my knees I beg you to pleeeeeeaaaaaaaaasssee bring Coutinho back to Anfield
Jaydimyz
0
Liverpool is where his heart belongs and he'll be highly welcomed back with no shame...THIS IS ANFIELD!
Jaydimyz
0
Coutinho leaving for Barca was a respected decision,so him wanting to return to Anfield should also be respected...
Jaydimyz
1
We want him back.
yes
yadansty
1
why not maybe he will be playing with more spirit to correct his mistake by leaving
sesbostuy
4
We want him back.
MykBisolakay
1
Liverpool is smarter than you bro … forget seducing Liverpool now with sweet statements We all know how crazy coutinho went to get out of Liverpool to play with messi at Barca …. The rest is history 😀😃😃
muaaekopsy
1
bring him back, revive fab 4...
emondorock
0
Not wanted list
Bumeiklo123
1
Coutinho can lead Barca in Post Messi era
[image]
Where is the GOATwaite???
Tuzbdnr
2
after you raped a woman you start to realize it was a mistake .
SERGIOAMIRO
1
very very very deeply in ( if u know what I meen ;])
EbroTiyane
5
Well Thanks Kia.. He chose Barcelona over Liverpool, &his decision was respected.. That's it, No U-turn
zizkey008
6
Coutinho can lead Barca in Post Messi era
zizkey008
1
Coutinho should be given a chance this season