That’s an interesting negotiation tactic…
In a new revelation, it’s emerged that Liverpool actually dropped their asking price for Philippe Coutinho when Barcelona returned to sign the Reds’ playmaker.
Liverpool were initially praised for their hardline stance on Coutinho last summer, when they rejected three bids, each substantially bigger than the one before, for their star midfielder.
“I wasn’t manager when Suarez was sold, I wasn’t manager when Sterling was sold. I’m manager now, and we’re not selling Coutinho,” Klopp infamously said last September.
Barcelona knew exactly what they were doing! https://t.co/GMRKrXalU4
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) January 8, 2018
Well something must have changed because, on Monday, Coutinho was unveiled as a Barca player after a deal worth £142 million was finalised between the clubs.
However, Liverpool actually accepted less than they demanded in the summer and it was that willingness to come down towards Barcelona’s valuation of the player that got the deal done.
“The interest of the club has always been to sign Coutinho,” Barcelona sporting director Jordi Mestre said, via FourFourTwo.
“The difference with the summer is that there has been a big reduction in the price.
🔊 @Phil_Coutinho: "My dream was to come here and these opportunities are unique and I had no doubts. Even though I can't play now in the Champions League, I will be able for the next 5 years" #CoutinhoDay pic.twitter.com/wV1c7BoEkY
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 8, 2018
“By desire of Liverpool, we cannot give the figures, but there has been a very important reduction.
“If I said something, it would be to break the pact we have with Liverpool.
“It’s bad for me but we cannot give any figures.”
Coutinho’s Barcelona debut has been postponed due to confirmation of a thigh injury, which will keep him out of action until the end of the month.
But a slight delay to his first game for the La Liga outfit definitely won’t get in the way of Coutinho’s delight at having sealed his dream move.
“I want to thank the president and everyone who has made it possible,” Coutinho said.
“I am very happy, it’s a dream come true and I hope to be up to the job on the field.”
