Liverpool Transfer News: Ezequiel Lavezzi Rumours, Philippe Coutinho Revelation

Inter Milan have confirmed they were interested in landing reported Liverpool and Arsenal target Ezequiel Lavezzi in the previous transfer window.

That’s according to the Nerazzuri’s sporting director Piero Ausilio, who told Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t talkSPORT) the Serie A giants sought to make a move for the Argentina international, but they were unable to match his ambitions when it came to competing for the top honours in European football:

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This summer, we tried to sign him [Lavezzi].

We were looking for an attacker, but we finally went for Adem Ljajic. There was little chance to sign Lavezzi, he wanted to play Champions League football. It was a very expensive-looking transfer, we will see what will happen.

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According to talkSPORT, Liverpool, Arsenal, Juventus and Barcelona have also been keeping tabs on the Paris Saint-Germain forward. Here’s what he is capable of offering at his best:

Although the 30-year-old is past his peak, there’s no denying he’d be a useful acquisition. Lavezzi is still an exciting forward, a willing worker and a player who possesses the quality to make a decisive impression in the final third. They’re traits the Reds could certainly do with after a stuttering start to the campaign.

As we can see here courtesy of OptaJoe, Jurgen Klopp’s side are profligate when chances do materialise:

Lavezzi could have a big decision to make in January. So far he’s only made three league appearances for PSG this season, and it’s clear that regular opportunities are not going to come around often. A transfer to any of the quartet of aforementioned sides would surely appeal to the forward too.

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The Argentina star wouldn’t be a regular starter for Arsenal, Juventus or Barcelona. But for the Reds, his experience and quality could immediately enrich an XI that is lacking in a direct edge and composure in front of goal. However, if Lavezzi rejected Inter because they couldn’t offer Champions League football, he’ll likely do the same should the Reds come calling.

Philippe Coutinho Advised Roberto Firmino to Join Reds

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Liverpool’s capture of Roberto Firmino was one of the most exciting transfers of the summer window, and it seems as though Reds star midfielder Philippe Coutinho played a key role in getting his compatriot to Merseyside.

Speaking to Sky Sports (h/t Alex Harris of the Daily Star), Coutinho revealed he told the former Hoffenheim man while away on international duty that he had to join the Reds:

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I don’t know if I had any influence on his arrival, but I gave him loads of incentive when I knew there was a possibility [of Firmino joining]. I was in the national team with him and I told him: ‘You have to join.’ The truth is, he’s a great player and I’m happy he is here. I am happy to be playing alongside these good players.

As I always say being part of the national team in Brazil is a privilege and it is so hard to stay in the team because there are loads of players that are in Europe. 

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The Liverpool supporters were excited about the prospect of their two samba stars linking up at Anfield, but as of yet, it’s a dynamic that has yet to flourish. Firmino has endured a difficult beginning to his time at the club, finding it tough to adjust to the pace of the Premier League and suffering with some injury issues.

Coutinho, after a strong start, was followed by some tepid showings, though he seems to be finding his best form again under the tutelage of Klopp, scoring three in his last two games. As the Liverpool Twitter account notes here, both men have been fine-tuning their sharpness in front of goal during the international break:

For Klopp, getting the best out of these two excellent players will be a challenge. Both prefer to play in a central role behind the striker, meaning one has been shunted out wide when they’ve both been in the team in recent weeks; alternatively, Firmino has also been played as the most advanced striker.

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Coutinho has done well coming in off the left-hand side previously, and that’d allow Firmino, who is still getting acquainted with the Premier League's bespoke style, the chance to have a prolonged run in his preferred position. At this juncture, that's the best way for the Reds to get the best from their big-money summer acquisition.