Why Liverpool were never going to sign Philippe Coutinho – Bayern Munich get their man

There has almost never been a time where Liverpool have returned for a player from the past and with Philippe Coutinho, it was not about to change.

Bayern and Barcelona have confirmed the transfer of midfielder Philippe Coutinho. The player joined on a season-long loan with an option for Munich to buy for an amount of £109.8 million. The German giants have paid the Catalans £7.8m for the Brazilian to join them.

Before making the switch from the one European great to the next, Arsenal, Liverpool, Man United and Spurs were all rumoured to be in for Phil. The Gunners were said to be the closest to a move materialising, but the player was not keen on the switch to the Emarites.

"For me, this move means a new challenge in a new country with one of the best clubs in Europe. I’m very much looking forward to that. Like Bayern, I have big ambitions and I’m convinced I can achieve them together with my new teammates.We’ve been working on bringing in Philippe Coutinho for quite some time and we’re very happy we’ve been able to complete this transfer. Our thanks go to Barcelona for agreeing to the transfer. With his creativity and outstanding skills, Philippe is a player who will immediately strengthen our attack. (via: The Guardian)"

Besides the whole late Arsenal and Coutinho talks, an Anfield returned seemed almost unavoidable. With Liverpool in doubt of making any big-name signings and their preseason not really looking as convincing as it would normally, there was a slight chance Klopp could reunite with his old golden boy. 

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So why didn’t it happen?

A return to Anfield made some sense when considering things on the pitch. No creativity through the centre and lacking in quality in depth was the outcry. Yet, if you reflect on what Klopp has said about his squad and how Fenway Sports Group like doing business this move was never happening.

Having made big-money signings such as Alisson Becker and Virgil van Dijk, it would have put them in the negative again. Something Liverpool and FSG don’t want to do. Barcelona would have been let off from having to pay up the initial agreement that saw the midfielder hit the exit doors for a £142m deal in January 2018.

"Liverpool received £105million upfront for the sale of the Brazil international, with an additional £37million set to be paid in instalments.The Reds have so far made an additional £14million from Barcelona through appearance and performance bonuses being triggered.But, according to Spanish publication Sport, Liverpool were due an additional £18million when Coutinho played 100 games for Barcelona and £5million if the Catalan club won the Champions League with the Brazilian in the side. (via The Mirror)"

Yes, the Reds lose out on additional £23million because of Coutinho not securing 100 appearances. However, with that being said, Liverpool has already recouped £14m from his parent club. This because of the deal between Liverpool and Barcelona back then.

FSG and Klopp have been on a mission to get Liverpool away from the Tom Hicks and George Gillett days.