Philippe Coutinho WILL join Barcelona, claims Ronaldinho

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Philippe Coutinho wanted to join Barcelona but summer move didn't materialise
Brazilian star is expected to return to the Liverpool side against Man City
Ronaldinho believes Coutinho will get his Nou Camp move eventually
But he reassured Liverpool fans there will be no shortage of effort this season

Published: 07:53 EDT, 6 September 2017 | Updated: 08:24 EDT, 6 September 2017

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Brazilian legend Ronaldinho believes Philippe Coutinho will get his dream move to Barcelona eventually - but Liverpool fans need not be worried about a lack of effort in the meantime.

Coutinho was linked with a transfer to the Nou Camp throughout the summer having made it clear he wanted to leave Anfield but the move didn't come to fruition as Liverpool refused to buckle despite huge bids up to £138m from Barca.

Having missed the first three matches of Liverpool's Premier League campaign, plus their Champions League play-off, with an alleged back injury, Coutinho could return this Saturday against Manchester City.

Brazil star Philippe Coutinho wasn't able to secure a move from Liverpool to Barcelona

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is expected to play Coutinho against Man City this weekend

Barcelona and Brazil legend Ronaldinho believes Coutinho will get his move eventually

He played for Brazil in their 2-0 World Cup qualifying win over Ecuador last Thursday, scoring the second goal.

Ronaldinho, who starred for Barcelona between 2003 and 2008, said of Coutinho: 'He made it clear that he wanted to join Barcelona this summer - he will be disappointed as it is a dream for players to want to play for Barcelona - but I am sure he will still get that chance.

'They made it clear how much they wanted him and I am sure they will come back for him.'

Coutinho returned to form and fitness with a goal for Brazil against Ecuador last week

Ronaldinho says Liverpool fans need not fear a lack of effort from Coutinho this season

Liverpool fixtures

Premier League unless stated

Saturday Manchester City (A)

September 13 Sevilla (H)

Champions League group stage

September 16 Burnley (H)

September 19 Leicester City (A)

EFL Cup third round

September 23 Leicester City (A)

September 26 Spartak Moscow (A)

Champions League group stage

There were fears after the move failed to materialise that Coutinho would go on strike, but Ronaldinho believes Liverpool have nothing to fear given this is a World Cup year.

He added: 'This season they will see him give everything for the club - that is the sort of player he is.

'Also no player is going to refuse to play when it's the World Cup at the end of the season.

'The Liverpool fans have nothing to worry about - I do not believe any of the stories about him refusing to play for the club. I know him and that is not his way.'

Jurgen Klopp's side have started their season well, beating Arsenal 4-0 in their last outing.