Liverpool rejected the chance to re-sign Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona this summer, with the Brazilian instead joining Bayern Munich on loan.
And if all goes to plan, that’s where he’ll stay, as the German champions have an option to buy him for £109.8million.
The 27-year-old playmaker could not replicate his Anfield success at the Nou Camp following a mega-money move in January 2018, and there were rumours of a potential return.
Earlier in the summer, talkSPORT revealed Coutinho would have considered going back to Liverpool on loan, after rejecting a move to Premier League rivals Tottenham.
But the Reds remained unmoved, and here’s why, according to James Pearce, writing for The Athletic.
Bayern agreed to pay £7.78m to take the forward on loan, as well as covering all of his wages for the season.
That amounts to a total outlay of more than £21m, which Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards believed to be excessive.
The last thing Liverpool need is another elite forward, given the form of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, and Roberto Firmino.
Coutinho would struggle to displace the current front three, who start every Premier League game when fit.
The Brazilian was deployed in a deeper ‘no. 8’ role towards the end of his Reds career, but Klopp reportedly chose to keep faith with Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Finally, the philosophy has changed since Coutinho left the club.
Liverpool prioritise work-rate and energy in their midfield engine, while pace is crucial in attack to suit their direct style of play.
In this system, Coutinho could be seen as a luxury player who doesn’t really fit the model.
Credit: talkSPORT