Major update as Barcelona edge closer to sealing €150m January deal

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After they made the headlines with a big-money signing this week, Liverpool could do so again but this time regarding the sale of Philippe Coutinho, as per reports.

The Reds splashed out £75m on Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk this week, as per BBC Sport, as they continue to take steps to move closer to seriously competing for major trophies.

Some may have thought that would be an indication of their ambition which could convince Coutinho to stay at Anfield, but according to Mundo Deportivo, that isn’t the case.

It’s claimed that the Brazilian playmaker has instructed his entourage to start looking for a house in Barcelona, with properties close to the likes of Luis Suarez and Paulinho said to be top of the agenda.

Further, it’s suggested that the total transfer fee could be €150m, a figure made up of an upfront payment along with add-ons, with Coutinho wanting to complete the move and the pressure on Liverpool to ‘fulfil their promise’ in letting him leave in January after a drawn-out pursuit last summer.

Although they sit nine points ahead in the La Liga title race and have comfortably advanced in the Copa del Rey along with securing a place in the Champions League knockout stage, Barca haven’t always convinced this season.

Combine that with a need to find a long-term replacement for Andres Iniesta who continues to edge closer to the end of his glittering career, as well as considering how dangerous Coutinho would be added to attacking options such as Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele, it’s a move that will make the Catalan giants much stronger.

Given Liverpool refused to budge over the summer and kept Coutinho on Merseyside though, which has turned out to be great for Jurgen Klopp as the 25-year-old has bagged 12 goals and nine assists in 19 appearances, it remains to be seen whether or not their stance will actually change in January.

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