Could Liverpool End Transfer Window Stronger Even Without Coutinho?
If the grapevine’s true then Philippe Coutinho could be leaving Liverpool in a £142m move to FC Barcelona.
The Brazilian is without doubt a world class talent but he was angling after this switch all summer and he seems to have picked up another ‘injury’ just in time for the transfer window reopening.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp must be sick to the back teeth of discussing Coutinho’s future and will probably be relieved if the number ten does leave this month.
When Liverpool sell a top star like Fernando Torres, Michael Owen or a Raheem Sterling, the club usually move on effectively if not successfully.
They did struggle though when they sold Luis Suarez (also to Barcelona) in 2014. They didn’t have a match winner who came close to being as good as the Uruguayan and the signing of Mario Balotelli was horrendous.
If I had to make a guess, I think Liverpool will be able to handle selling Brazilian maestro Coutinho like they did with Torres and Owen.
It’s not that Philippe is any poorer than he has been in the past, it’s more to do with the forward line that Klopp has at his disposal, the potential replacements and other areas of the squad being strengthen this month too.
Virgil van Djik has finally arrived at Anfield and looks to have settled in straight away. He made his debut in the Merseyside derby last night and he scored the winner in the FA Cup tie too. He was good coming away with the ball, passing it forward and winning tackles. The Dutchman has made various step-ups in his career to date and cleared them all. It looks no different now he’s the world’s most expensive defender!
Liverpool need consistency at the back, Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip couldn’t seem to offer that as a partnership and opponents took advantage of it. Virgil will look to change that with his aerial ability and his quick thinking at the back.
The form of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah has been superb this term. The fluidity the front three offer means that Coutinho has been often played in a deeper position this term. Salah has been sensational since his summer arrival and his goals have propelled the Reds back into the top four positions.
Liverpool also have Dominic Solanke and Daniel Sturridge in the pool to call upon if they need something different up top. They could possibly even allow Sturridge to depart this month and still look good in the attacking areas.
Adam Lallana’s return to fitness also gives Klopp a timely new year’s boost. The England attacking midfielder has the vision to create chances and the ability to run into dangerous positions. He’s not to the standards of Coutinho but he gives you plenty of endeavour and will work hard getting back too.
It should be noted that summer signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is starting to find his groove at Anfield and Klopp will believe that he’ll only improve as the season continues.
Then there’s the possible replacements that could come in and replace Coutinho.
AS Monaco star Thomas Lemar has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield. I don’t think he’d be a like for like replacement but he would provide assists. He’d also offer more pace for a counter attacking style.
You then have Riyad Mahrez. The Leicester City man has proven himself as a Premier League match winner again this term. He possess the vision and creativity that changes games and also a keen eye for goal. Another plus in Mahrez favour is that he wouldn’t be cup-tied for the Champions League.
Another possibility could be Liverpool going for PSG playmaker Julian Draxler. The German is clearly not seen as a regular starter in Paris but in ten Ligue 1 starts he’s picked up two goals and three assists. His passing success rate is phenomenal, he is a threat with his set-piece taking ability and is another counter attack threat. He may also be available for just £4om!
If Liverpool were to sell a footballer who clearly doesn’t want to be there anymore and replace him with a creative talent who is hungry to prove himself, then I don’t see the problem.
Actually add a playmaker or a maestro to this already strong Liverpool squad then I think they could be better off than they were in December. Add a new goalkeeper to that mix and then it could be a stunning transfer window for Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp.
Posted on January 6th, 2018 by scott
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Could Liverpool End Transfer Window Stronger Even Without Coutinho? Answer NO.