Former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey has revealed that he wouldn’t be surprised if Philippe Coutinho was to leave for Barcelona in January.
Coutinho was the subject of strong interest from the La Liga club in the summer transfer window but the deal failed to materialise.
However, Heskey feels that there is a possibility that Coutinho could end up moving to the Nou Camp in the new year.
Heskey told 888sport: “When the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid – and even Liverpool themselves – are linked to players then players seriously think about it.
“So I’m not surprised that Coutinho is considering it. He is close to some who play there and a number of Brazilians have represented the club over the years so that’s where he’s thinking of plying his trade next.
“There is always that chance that he might go in January because if they come back with another offer his head will be turned again.”
Losing Coutinho would be a major setback for Liverpool given the Brazilian’s passing range and technical ability.
Superb at retaining possession, Coutinho has an average pass accuracy of 82 per cent in the Premier League this season, while he has created 15 chances.
If Coutinho was to leave Liverpool then it would certainly be for a significant fee, with the Reds demanding £134 million for him, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Liverpool, who are ninth in the Premier League, host Huddersfield Town on Saturday in their next fixture.
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