COUTINHO WILL WANT TO LEAVE LIVERPOOL FOR BARCELONA – CARRAGHER

With a space in the Catalans' forward three up for grabs since the sale of Neymar, the ex-England man has no doubts the attacker will want a switch

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher believes that Philippe Coutinho will want to leave Anfield for Barcelona.

The sale of Neymar has opened up a free berth in the Catalans’ attacking line and reports have linked them with an interest in the Brazil international.

While Liverpool are set to rebuff any approaches, Carragher thinks that the 25-year-old attacker will still want the move to take place.

“I don’t think he’s going to go, but he would want to go. Who wouldn’t want to go to Barcelona?” he told Sky Sports. 

“I’m sure whether it’s this summer or next summer Philippe Coutinho will want to wear that shirt and go to Barcelona.

“There’s nothing wrong with it. That’s football.”

The former England defender was speaking in the context of Virgil van Dijk demanding to leave Southampton in a very public manner, criticising the club for spreading falsehoods about his failure to train.

“I think it’s wrong. We’d all be very angry if it was a player at our own club, if I’d played with someone where that was the case,” he said.

“But on the other hand, if you’re looking to move, which he is, what about your fitness levels if you do get that move?

“The frustration for Southampton when you put in a transfer request is that this is for every club, except possibly Real Madrid and Barcelona, there’s a football chain. And if you’re at Southampton and Liverpool, Chelsea or Manchester City come in, your player will want to go. 

“Hopefully what Van Dijk has said today is the truth and he hasn’t refused to play in games or train. I accept that from a player but unfortunately for Southampton that is the football chain. Liverpool are above Southampton, and Liverpool have the same problem with Madrid or Barcelona.”