Although yet to be officially confirmed by either club involved, Barcelona have seemingly agreed a fee with Liverpool for the purchase of Philippe Coutinho.
A long-running transfer saga that saw the Brazilian hand in a transfer request during last summer's window, many were surprised that Coutinho would choose to depart Liverpool - and the opportunity to play Champions League football for the remainder of this season - in the January window.
However, with a general fee of £142 million being spoken as the amount Liverpool demanded from the Catalan club, the Premier League club are gaining plenty of plaudits for this incredible piece of business.
Liverpool buy Coutinho for £8.5m and are now set to get £142m back...that's what you call a profit.
— Phil McNulty (@philmcnulty) January 6, 2018
This isn’t to say Liverpool won’t miss Coutinho - they will - but I’m not sure he was ever a perfectly natural fit for a Klopp team. Whoever they sign, they will be more Klopp without him. (Whether that’s a good or bad thing is up to you)
— Rory Smith (@RorySmith) January 6, 2018
Massive shame to see Coutinho go. What a player he has become. £142m a great fee for him and expected nothing less. He will be a star out there, no doubt about it. Has become world class under Klopp.
— Jack Sear (@JackSear) January 6, 2018
Coutinho deal apparently worth £145M! Wow! LFC paid £8.5M
— Alan Myers (@ALANMYERSMEDIA) January 6, 2018
Many are doubtful that Liverpool, irrespective of the fee being discussed, can really afford to lose their most talented player at this point in the season.
With many holding onto the belief that Jurgen Klopp's side could have caused an upset in this year's Champions League, the departure of Coutinho will now put enormous pressure on Liverpool and their top 4 hopes.
Barcelona finally sign Philippe Coutinho. Fantastic player and is going to be phenomenal for Barça. Possibly the worst time to sell for Liverpool, no matter the money they're receiving. Will be a huge miss.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) January 6, 2018
I’m not angry I’m just disappointed 😔@Phil_Coutinho
— Devon (@Selwood_Starr) January 6, 2018
Some of Liverpool's fans (and former players) however were keen to thank the Brazilian for what he gave to the club in recent seasons.
A phenomenally important component of Klopp's delightfully attacking side, certain fans are taking the high-road on this one.
Good luck @Phil_Coutinho and thank you for all the memories! You were fantastic for our club. Some amazing goals and assists ⚽️🔝
— John Arne Riise (@JARiiseOfficial) January 6, 2018
Shame coutinho left in the middle of the season but he got his move, we got good money and I don’t understand the outrage from fans?He’s been immense while he played for us, can’t moan about it.
— Calfreezy (@Calfreezy) January 6, 2018
Shame he went about it the way he did, always adored Coutinho since he joined #LFC.
— Roopa (@LFC_RV) January 6, 2018
However I want to thank Coutinho for amazing memories. He's been fantastic and I wish him well at Barca
— simonrimmer (@simonrim) January 6, 2018
While one of Barcelona's less vaunted stars was quick to welcome the arrival of the sought-after man.
