Liverpool Transfer News: Philippe Coutinho Linked in Latest PSG Rumours

Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly not ready to drop their interest in Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho and could attempt to land the Brazilian in January.

That’s according to Le 10 Sport (h/t Tom Coast of Sport Witness), who have dedicated a page to the transfer story in their October edition.

It’s stated that Liverpool knocked back a €25 million (£22.5 million) offer during the summer, although strong interest remains; in the report, it’s suggested PSG were ready to part with €60 million (£54 million) to sign Coutinho.

Now it’s said that PSG will plot a new pursuit of the player either in January or at the end of the current season.

The former Inter Milan man has been at his dazzling best in the early weeks of the Premier League season, helping Liverpool to a wonderful start to the campaign under manager Jurgen Klopp. His linkup play, nifty footwork and ability to strike the ball from distance has made Coutinho such a key part of this Liverpool team.

Per Squawka Football, what makes Coutinho so impressive compared to other midfielders is that he does a lot of his best work in dangerous parts of the field:

Needless to say, the Reds wouldn’t want to cash in on a player who’s become so crucial to their cause, and it’s no surprise they rejected a meagre offer in the summer.

In the past, Liverpool have had to move on big names such as Raheem Sterling and Luis Suarez, although under Klopp, this is a team that looks to be moving towards potential challenges for the biggest prizes. Coutinho will surely want to be a part of that.

Indeed, in a recent interview with James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo, he said he’s delighted with life on Merseyside: "Liverpool feels like my home. I feel happy, settled and comfortable here with the city and the people."

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The Liverpool supporters feel comfortable with him, too, it would seem, as the man they dub the "Little Magician" continues to conjure spellbinding moments, per BBC’s Match of the Day:

PSG could offer Coutinho a lucrative contract and the chance to challenge in the UEFA Champions League—factors that may appeal to him. However, as noted in the initial report, his acquisition would mean a non-EU player would have to be moved on to make room for the Brazilian, with compatriot Lucas Moura said to be the man most likely at risk in Paris.

However, the standard of football in Ligue 1 doesn’t measure up to the Premier League, meaning in purely footballing terms, this would potentially be a step down for the Liverpool man.

There’s a vision coming to fruition at Anfield, too. Liverpool no longer need to lean heavily on Coutinho to drag them through tight matches with a sumptuous swing of his right boot, as they possess other attacking stars in Sadio Mane, Adam Lallana and Roberto Firmino. That burden being released is bringing the best from the Brazilian.