Liverpool News: Coutinho may snub Champions League to aid Barcelona transfer - report

LIVERPOOL star Philippe Coutinho is considering NOT playing in the Champions League group stage in order to boost his chances of joining Barcelona in January, according to bizarre reports in Spain.

Liverpool news Philippe Coutinho BarcelonaGETTY

Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho wanted to join Barcelona this summer

Liverpool refused to sell Coutinho to Barcelona during the summer transfer window.

The Reds denied Barca were quoted £183million for the Brazilian, who handed in a transfer request.

Coutinho also went on strike, claiming he had a back injury only for Brazil’s team doctor to report there was nothing physically wrong with the player and that he was suffering from stress.

But the 25-year-old never got his big move and now he could supposedly withdraw himself from Liverpool’s Champions League games.

That is according to Spanish newspaper SPORT, who claim Coutinho is considering not playing in Europe despite being named in Liverpool’s squad for the Champions League.

The bizarre report claims Coutinho is worried Barca won’t want to sign him in January if he is cup-tied from playing in the Champions League.

Should the player get a run-out in the group stage for Liverpool he would be ineligible to play for another club in the same Champions League campaign.

Philippe Coutinho scores INCREDIBLE goal for Brazil

Coutinho handed in a transfer request this summer but withdrawing his labour for European fixtures would be hugely damaging to his relationship with the club and its fans.

He remains a fan favourite despite the transfer request and is expected to return to Anfield once the international break is over and commit himself fully to Jurgen Klopp’s side.

SPORT claim Liverpool have no intention of agreeing to Coutinho’s request if the player does indeed ask to be withdrawn from games against Sevilla, Spartak Moscow and Maribor.

Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?