The Brazilian wanted a move to Barcelona with the Spanish side keen to bring in the midfielder to replace Neymar.
That’s after the striker left the Nou Camp for PSG in a record-breaking £198m switch.
But Souness is sad at how things have turned out with Coutinho and hopes there is a way forward with him at Liverpool.
“Sad,” the Reds legend said on Sky Sports when asked about the situation.
“I can understand it from both sides. The boy’s latin, he’s got a chance to go to Barcelona, that would be very, very attractive for him.
“On another side of the coin as a Liverpool supporter there’s a part of me wanting him to stay but there’s also a part thinking ‘well if he wants to go that much, take the money’.
“It really depends what side of the fence you’re on.
“I’ve been a manager so I’d be falling out with him because he signed a contract the year before.
“But then if I’m a player, and I’ve been in that situation, the chance to join Barcelona would be enormous.
“He may see it as a missed opportunity. So all eyes will be on him going forward at Liverpool, see what sort of attitude he has from now on but I’m sure he will be fine.”
Liverpool return to action tomorrow night in the Champions League when they welcome Sevilla to Anfield.
