Transfer Centre

Jurgen Klopp: 'Philippe Coutinho will not be replacing Neymar'

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 02 August 2017

Klopp: 'Coutinho will not replace Neymar'

Jurgen Klopp tells Barcelona to forget about signing Philippe Coutinho this summer as a replacement for Neymar, while also questioning UEFA's financial fair play rules.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has told Barcelona to "save their energy" and forget about making an approach for midfielder Philippe Coutinho.

The Reds are bracing themselves for an offer to be tabled as Barca have reportedly made Coutinho their top summer transfer target in the wake of Neymar's impending move to Paris Saint-Germain.

Despite the latest development in the transfer saga, Klopp is refusing to budge on the stance that he has taken all summer long when asked about the Brazilian's future, while also taking a swipe at the rules in place that are supposed to restrict the amount of money clubs spend on new recruits.

"It's nice that Coutinho is so highly rated but they can save their energy," he told reporters. "I cannot talk about this just because a Barcelona guy starts talking. Did he say they are coming to Liverpool to do business? They want to come over? They are funny. I don't want things like this."

Probed on Neymar's imminent switch to PSG, Klopp added: "There are clubs that can pay fees like that – Manchester City and PSG. Everyone knows that. I thought [financial] fair play was made so that situations like that can't happen.

"That's more of a suggestion than a real rule. I don't understand that. I don't know how it happens. That's not the next step I hope. I think and hope it will stay an exception but we don't know."

Coutinho, who is under contract at Anfield until 2022, is said to be willing to take a pay cut in order to push through a move to Barcelona.