Liverpool FC Won The Battle But Lost The War… And The Plot!
In forcing Barcelona to drop their interest in Philippe Coutinho Liverpool have won their battle against one of football’s true heavyweights. In doing so have they lost more than they’ve gained? It’s beginning to look as if this is the case. Over the last three weeks, Liverpool have resisted point blank the approaches from the Catalan club to take their star player. Despite the Coutinho himself putting in a personal transfer request, the Merseysiders have stood firm.
Many have seen this as a victory over the perceived bullying or arrogance from one of the giants of the game. Personally, I see this as a huge fail which only serves to underline Liverpool’s own ineptitude in the transfer market.
With less than ten days to go in the transfer window, Liverpool have made a mere three signings. On one hand I’m pleased about this as it provides youngsters like Joe Gomez, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ben Woodburn with opportunities to further establish themselves in the first team.
It also implies the owners have backed Jürgen Klopp in choosing to refuse the sale. Something FSG have long been accused of not doing in their efforts to maximize their “RoI”. Two good points for those over-emotionally attached.
On the other hand, it shows Liverpool are unable to adequately recruit or plan for succession. Philippe Coutinho has handed in a transfer request and as such one can be pretty clear he no longer wishes to play for the club. This being the case, it should be expected that the club would already have a list of intended replacements for each position. One of which being the Brazilian’s.
On the basis that no team should keep uncommitted players, he should be allowed to leave and a replacement brought in. Easier said than done I’m sure.
However, Barcelona have been sniffing around Coutinho for months now and whether or not the club intended to sell him, they should be prepared for the eventuality that he may request a move. Not to do so smacks of both arrogance and a lack of planning.
Yes, he’s under contract blah, blah, blah… but this does not stop Liverpool chasing players – quite brazenly – from other clubs and we all know who those two particular players are… and where LFC now stand as a result. Double standards?
The latest seems to be that Barcelona will launch a fresh bid for the 25 year-old and so they should do too. Especially as it seems Liverpool may well be close to securing Virgil van Dijk in similar fashion? Therefore if there is any justice in the world, Coutinho should get his move.
In recent years, Liverpool’s failure to replace players adequately has cost them dearly. Should Coutinho go, I can only wish him all the best, and remain hopeful that the Reds will one day get their house in order.
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