Coutinho staying represents the belief we can be great again
By David Gate
Liverpool have rejected a bid for Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona worth €100 million. Despite what some fans may think FSG care about more than just money.
It would have been a British record for a transfer fee. More than what United paid for Paul Pogba and Spurs received for Gareth Bale. As this point it would have been the second largest transfer of all time. The fee is about what he is worth in the scale of things. He is, of course, worth a lot more to Liverpool than 100 million Euros.
To Liverpool he represents a world-class player. At the moment we only have one other you could even consider giving that label; Sadio Mane. Philippe Coutinho also represents the belief that Liverpool can still compete with the European elite for players and for trophies. That is more of a belief than a reality in recent years, but belief is where things begin.
Losing Coutinho would have multiple negative consequences. It would have been a blow to Jurgen Klopp on the eve of the Premier League and heading into his first Champions League campaign at Anfield. It would also spark ‘riots’ amongst the fans.
Carragher: "If Liverpool lose Coutinho this summer, there will be riots. The fans will turn on the owners" pic.twitter.com/RcJsVLgGf9
— View of the Kop (@ViewOfTheKop_) August 7, 2017
There has been a gap this summer in the Premier League. While Man Utd, Man City and Chelsea splurge huge sums there has been relatively little activity from Liverpool and Tottenham. Spurs have gone backwards by losing Kyle Walker and possibly Danny Rose. Liverpool need to be on the right side of that gap.
That gap is the belief we can win the Premier League. Keep Coutinho and Emre Can. Then add a very good center back and the belief will be there. We also need to add another midfielder. Last season our squad looked thin in midfield and we have lost Lucas Leiva and Kevin Stewart since then.
‘From doubters to believers’ is what Klopp said when he arrived at Liverpool. If we keep Coutinho and make new signings the fans will see that FSG are believers too.