Transfer Centre

Report: Philippe Coutinho hands in Liverpool transfer request

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 11 August 2017

Report: Coutinho hands in transfer request

A report claims that Philippe Coutinho will attempt to push through a move to Barcelona after handing in an official transfer request.

Philippe Coutinho has reportedly informed Liverpool that he wants to join Barcelona this summer and has handed in an official transfer request.

The 25-year-old recently emerged as the Catalan giants' top target to fill the void left by superstar forward Neymar, who left for Paris Saint-Germain in a £200m transfer last week.

Liverpool have been reluctant to listen to any offers from Barcelona, knocking back their first two bids - the second supposedly worth more than £90m with add-onds.

Jurgen Klopp's no-sale stance was backed by the club's Fenway Sports Group owners on Friday morning, with the Americans warning Barca off making a fresh approach in the remaining weeks of the window.

According to Sky Sports News, though, the Brazil international has now taken the first step towards pushing through a move to Camp Nou by telling the club that he wants to leave.

Coutinho will play no part in Liverpool's opening Premier League fixture against Watford on Saturday due to a niggling back injury, which has also made him doubtful to face Hoffenheim in next week's Champions League qualifier.