Liverpool Transfer News: Philippe Coutinho Exit Fears Revealed by Steven Gerrard

Former Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard has revealed his concerns that Reds star Philippe Coutinho could be lured away from Anfield by Barcelona or Real Madrid.

Gerrard is currently having his new book, My Story, serialised by the Daily Mail, and has told of how Luis Suarez—sold to Barcelona in the summer of 2014—urged the ex-England captain to “look after” Coutinho. According to Gerrard, Suarez rated the Brazilian “our most special young talent."

But Gerrard also expressed concern that the Samba star could follow Suarez out of Merseyside to one of the top teams in world football:

"

Many Liverpool fans already regard him as our main man. He has just signed a new deal and he and his wife — who are a lovely couple — seem settled here.

But I also know that the Spanish giants, Barcelona and Real Madrid, will come looking for Philippe in a few more seasons, just like they did with Luis.

And that’s when it will get tricky for Liverpool because the lure to go to one of those two clubs is so strong for any South American or Spanish player. Until that happens, Liverpool should really treasure Philippe.

"

PAUL ELLIS/Getty Images

The influence Coutinho has on this Liverpool side was evident as they lost to Manchester United on Saturday. Brendan Rodgers’ team were completely bereft of attacking ideas, were ponderous in their build-up play and, aside from one moment of genius from Christian Benteke, never looked like threatening the Red Devils’ goal without the talented Brazilian pulling the strings.

As noted by OptaJoe, Coutinho is a player who has become well accustomed to making important and spectacular interventions in matches:

But it’s no surprise Gerrard is so concerned he could leave. After all, the club’s other big young talent Raheem Sterling has moved on to Manchester City, with the Reds happy to take the money and run for the England international. Players like Suarez, Javier Mascherano, Fernando Torres and Xabi Alonso have also moved on to clubs challenging for bigger honours in recent times.

Fernando Bustamante/Associated Press

Coutinho is certainly a player capable of going on to scale those kinds of heights. The midfielder not only contributes with some tremendous long-range shooting, but he links the play together superbly for Liverpool and is renowned for his delectable through balls too.

So it’s easy to see how the former Internazionale man would slot straight into the heart of a team such as Barcelona. As we can see here courtesy of Selecao Brasileira, Coutinho has also been spending plenty of time with a Blaugrana star as of late:

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Coutinho and Neymar are notably spending so much time together. This pic moments ago after training. [@veronicanjr] pic.twitter.com/ouP7Abub2d

— Seleção Brasileira (@BrazilStats) September 4, 2015"

There’s been little to suggest Coutinho will be leaving Liverpool any time soon, though. The Brazilian penned a new contract with the club earlier this year and after the departure of Sterling, he’s the finest player in this Reds squad. Rodgers should be looking to build a team around him for many years to come.

But as aforementioned, the Reds have set a concerning precedent in recent years when it comes to selling their best assets. So if a top-tier European team do come calling next summer with a big money offer, Liverpool fans—Gerrard included—will surely be worried their magical midfielder will be moved on like so many others have been previously.