Every Liverpool fan’s worst fears were realised early in the January window as both Barcelona and Liverpool confirmed the former’s signing of talismanic midfielder Philippe Coutinho, for a massive £145 million.
The enormous price tag makes him the second most expensive player of all time, well ahead of second placed Ousmane Dembele (his new teammate at Barca) and only behind compatriot and PSG superstar, Neymar.
Coutinho had been pushing for a transfer since last summer’s transfer window, when news of Barca’s interest first appeared. Barcelona then bid three times unsuccessfully for the attacking midfielder, drawing criticism for their relentless and unsettling bidding. This was clearly an effort to replace Neymar, a task that is now seemingly accomplished with both, Dembele and Coutinho been signed.
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Transfer Saga Finally Complete:
Last night’s confirmation completes a long and seemingly endless transfer saga stretching to well before this summer window, with Barcelona’s relentless bidding and questionable behaviour having been widely criticised.
In the summer, Barcelona (desperate to replace Neymar) even asked Coutinho to hand in a transfer request (something he had never considered doing before), convincing him that it was his only opportunity to join the Catalans.
Once news of a winter bid was heard, Nike, Barcelona’s kit providers, were involved in another gaffe, seemingly confirming Coutinho’s move days before its official announcement on their website’s main page.
Coutinho travelled to Spain to finalise his move – however, he couldn’t play a part in Barca’s game against Levante earlier today. He’s more likely to make his debut later in the week against Celta Vigo.
Memorable Derby Debut for Van Dijk:
It was a debut to remember for Liverpool’s new signing Virgil Van Dijk, as his team came out 2-1 winners in the Merseyside Derby. Helping them advance to the Fourth Round of the FA Cup.
The £75 million signing played at the heart of defence along Joel Matip, immediately showing why Liverpool made him the world’s most expensive defender by getting first to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s corner and net the winner in the 84th minute.
Next: Everton completes first signing
With a resounding and commanding performance at the back in a highly emotional match, his defensive displays and eventual winner made him an instant favourite at Anfield.
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If he can provide the defensive stability that Liverpool have desperately missed in the first half of the season, then the gargantuan price tag will seem like money well spent from the Liverpool board.