Transfer funds and squad structure: A retrospective on the loss of Philippe Coutinho

Liverpool fan favourite Philippe Coutinho’s move to Barcelona has been a more than profitable move for all parties involved. Here is how it turned the Reds into a more formidable side.

The Brazilian superstar has been missed by the Anfield faithful, yet the funds given in return for him have shaped Liverpool’s future in a way that will manifest itself for many years to come.

That is to say the return for Coutinho, in all likelihood, has transformed the Reds into a more complete squad that can certainly challenge for a myriad of trophies.

This move began to restructure the Liverpool squad with the stunning and memorable run they just made to the Champions League Final. The new structure of the lineup allowed the remaining players to flourish.

Let me be clear, Coutinho did not prevent Liverpool from being exceptional. His transfer, however, brought in an immense amount of funds, which in turn was utilized in rebuilding the diminished areas of Jurgen Klopp’s squad; the defence and goalkeeper.

Through this transfer, Klopp was able to hand-pick the star defender and goalkeeper that he wanted to splurge on. Thus, anchoring a very imbalanced squad and providing more stability, so they were not required to be so reliant on goal scoring.

Less volatility meant that the Reds could function more smoothly. A result of this is their participation in the Premier League title race as well as providing the strong possibility of launching a deadly Champions League campaign.