Coutinho wanted to join PSG, not Barcelona

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Bengaluru, September 3: One of the most talked-about players throughout the summer transfer window was Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho and it was really a massive statement from Liverpool to retain their priced asset despite big money offers from Barcelona.

The Brazilian submitted an official transfer request and also was absent from the first team playing a back injury but magically became fit when playing for the national team. However, Liverpool remained adamant throughout the summer that Coutinho will not be sold and they stood by their words.

However, recent reports claim that Coutinho actually wanted to move to PSG, not Barcelona. The French giants signed Neymar on a world record transfer this summer and reports claim Coutinho wanted to join his best friend at the French capital club.

Barcelona spent the summer pursuing a deal for Coutinho despite Liverpool’s insistence he is not for sale.

The Brazil international was seemingly destined to leave the Nou Camp but Jurgen Klopp was always adamant he would not be allowed to go.

However, Spanish outlet Don Balon claim Coutinho actually had another destination in mind.

And it is said he was actually desperate to sign for PSG, where he hoped to link up with Neymar, who left Barcelona earlier in the summer.

Coutinho and Neymar share a great bonding from their days of playing for the youth level football in Brazil and are the two undisputed best players of the country right now. So, it is hardly surprising that the two might have wanted to unite at Parc des Princes at a club who are targeting big things for the future.

However, PSG were reluctant to pursue a deal for the Liverpool star because of Kylian Mbappe. It is said any deal for Coutinho would have infringed Financial Fair Play rules.

PSG were forced to loan Mbappe from Monaco in order to ensure they did not violate the regulations and have an agreement to sign the France international for a fixed price of £166million in 12 months’ time.