Barca Bullshit Weekly: Coutinho to Leave in January

If one could choose where to spend January and the only choices were Liverpool, England or Barcelona, (TBD), the latter would likely come out top most of the time for those without strong connections to the Beatles, Liverpool Football Club, Liverpool reserves, or maybe Everton. Weather would play a role.

However, we’re not talking about where to catch some sun in the winter months, but rather about the fate of one particular footballer: Philippe Coutinho. You see, Coutinho is under contract at Liverpool Football Club until 2022 without a release clause, something that hasn’t changed since the transfer saga this summer. Nothing has changed from Liverpool’s perspective.

Liverpool’s stance has been consistent all along, but that hasn’t stopped Spanish journalists from hyping up the Coutinho-to-Barca stories for months now. The latest report from Mundo Deportivo indicates that Couts made a verbal agreement with Liverpool to leave in January. Of course, John Henry’s fingers were crossed when he (allegedly) agreed. Unlucky, Phil.

This news seems particularly laughable after the injury to main man Sadio Mane which will keep him sidelined for ten important fixtures this fall. As such, Liverpool will rely on Coutinho’s firepower even more to keep the club ticking along. Moreover, the Brazilian has now been cup tied in the Champions League, meaning he would only be available for domestic appearances.

If Liverpool are willing to deal in January, it doesn’t seem likely that this was part of the plan all along, but rather with an eye toward next season after the Reds have lost touching distance with the Top 4 and/or have bombed out of Europe. Hopefully that isn’t the case on either count. Anyway, one thing is for sure: these constant rumors from Spain aren’t going away any time soon.