Mercifully, it will end one way or another very soon.
Feverish speculation surrounding the immediate future and destination of Philippe Coutinho has been a reoccurring theme of the summer transfer window, and has left Liverpool supporters – and the rest of us – exhausted and not a little fed up.
The rumours of a move to Barca started months ago, but it was only when Neymar was snatched from their possession that the Catalans galvanised their interest in Liverpool’s gifted playmaker. And Coutinho was evidently sweet on a move.
But the Anfield club have remained resolute throughout – as far as they are concerned the interest from Barcelona and the will of the player were neither here nor there. The 25-year-old would remain in Liverpool no matter what.
The latest update on Friday was that Coutinho’s mood was ‘very low’ and that his heart was still set on a move to Spain:
Coutinho hoping Barcelona signing Dembélé doesn't mean they're giving up on him. Still wants Barcelona move. Told his "mood is very low"
— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) August 25, 2017
But another twist in the sorry tale has seen Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo claim that Liverpool shareholder and basketball legend LeBron James has told the club to grant Coutinho’s wish and allow him to leave.
According to the report, James has advised Fenway Sports Group to open negotiations with Barcelona with a view to facilitating the move before the end of the transfer window next week.
It doesn’t help that the basketball superstar posed wearing a Barca top yesterday…
