Barcelona news: Liverpool make commitment to sell Philippe Coutinho in January

LIVERPOOL reportedly promised Philippe Coutinho they will let him leave in the January transfer window.

Christian Purslow: Liverpool were not close to selling Coutinho

Coutinho’s proposed move to Barcelona dominated the summer with Liverpool rejecting three bids and his transfer request as they refused to let their star player leave.

The Brazilian has since been reintegrated back in the Liverpool team and his impact has been clear with three goals in his last three matches.

But speculation surrounding Coutinho’s long-term future has continued with Barcelona said to still have an interest in him.

Philippe CoutinhoGETTY

Philippe Coutinho wanted to join Barcelona

And Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo say Liverpool ‘promised’ Coutinho that he could leave in January as long as he was committed to the team and performs at his best until then.

It is unclear what price tag Liverpool have put on Coutinho but they did reject an offer from Barcelona of over £110million.  

The report says Coutinho considered going on strike due to his frustration over his failed move but both sides came up with a short-term resolution to the situation.

Philippe CoutinhoGETTY

Philippe Coutinho has an agreement to leave in January

Although Coutinho will be ineligible to play in the Champions League, Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde believes he can bolster their La Liga and Copa del Rey chances.

Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked with Coutinho but the report says they are unlikely to move for the playmaker in the new year due to financial fair play.

And Barcelona want to bring Coutinho to the Nou Camp as soon as possible to avoid competition next summer.

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