Is Liverpool re-signing Philippe Coutinho really an option?

In the last week, stories of Barcelona being ready to sell Philippe Coutinho have hit the rumour mill. Some claim Liverpool are in a position to re-sign Coutinho while others suggest Manchester United have made the Brazilian their top target.

We are now halfway through January and there is really no way Coutinho is leaving Barcelona. Sure, Ousmane Dembele has taken over the right wing position. But the Frenchman continues to struggle with his tardiness and off-field issues. Dembele has missed training sessions due to late night video game and Netflix sessions causing him to oversleep.

Barcelona would be foolish to let Coutinho leave just 12 months after arriving. The team are still in the hunt for a treble, so why cash-in on Coutinho when they will need him down the line?

The Brazilian was such an important part of Barcelona’s La Liga title last year, so don’t expect him to return to Anfield — or leave Camp Nou — unless something major happens.

Coutinho would be cup-tied in the Champions League if he did leave Barcelona as well.

Who could Liverpool sign?

Liverpool could use an additional defender due to the injuries endured over the last two months. A permanent deal for Burnley’s James Tarkowski could cost £50 million. That is a large sum.

A loan deal for a back-up defender would be ideal and with Liverpool chasing a Premier League title, a paid loan should and could be possible.

While defence is the area Liverpool need to strengthen, the club is being linked with Dutch international winger Arnaut Danjuma Groeneveld. The Club Brugge player is being targetted by a number of clubs including Tottenham and Everton. 

In 11 Belgian Pro League matches, Groeneveld has tallied four goals and three assists. The Mirror reported on Tuesday that AC Milan have already had a £9 million transfer bid rejected. 

Adding another talented winger would give Liverpool even more strength in attack. However, the attack desperately needs a new striker to back-up Roberto Firmino.

Daniel Sturridge, though he started the season well, has regressed once more. Divock Origi, though he tries hard, isn’t consistent enough for Liverpool. Yet, right now, the two will have to suffice as back-up central defenders are what Liverpool really need in the transfer window.

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