Five most talked about transfer sagas this season

#2 Philippe Coutinho

Coutinho is pushing for a move to Barcelona after handing in a transfer request

When Philippe Coutinho signed a new contract in January, it looked like Liverpool might keep their talisman and build on the strong foundations laid by Jurgen Klopp thus far. That opinion was further strengthened during a strong preseason for Liverpool during which he formed an impressing understanding with Mohamed Salah.

However, the departure of Neymar from Barcelona changed the entire scenario. Barcelona had a huge void to fill and the board needed to act fast not only to replace Neymar but also to please the fans as Real Madrid have clearly gone up a notch under Zinedine Zidane.

Since the departure of Neymar, the rumour mill has been full of news linking Coutinho with a move to Barcelona and even to PSG. Liverpool initially rejected a £72m bid from Barcelona for the Brazilian amid the speculations and Klopp emphasized that Barcelona are wasting their time pursuing the player.

On August 11, the owners of Liverpool, FSG, released an official statement stating that the player will not be sold and will remain at Liverpool beyond the summer. Normally that would have ended any speculations but hours later news broke that Coutinho had handed in a transfer request.

Liverpool immediately rejected the transfer request and maintained their stand that the player will not be sold. However, a huge offer might tempt them to sell a player who doesn’t want to be at the club anymore.

This saga is only unfolding but it has already been filled with drama.