Liverpool have won their battle with Barcelona over Philippe Coutinho with the Spanish giants admitting defeat in their bid to prise him away.
Barca’s deadline to the Anfield giants, of 7pm this past Sunday, to accept their £118million offer for Coutinho passed with them still insisting the Brazilian midfielder is not for sale.
After three failed bids and with time rapidly running out in a transfer window that closes a week on Thursday to spend their £199m Neymar windfall, Barca have finally accepted that Liverpool won't sell Coutinho to them this month.
Liverpool’s sporting director Michael Edwards flatly rejected their latest offer on Friday, which was not as eye-catching as the headline figure of £118m suggested.
Barcelona offered £82m 'up front' — but spread over four years — with £36m more dependent on add-ons, such as the Catalans winning the Champions League with him and Coutinho receiving the Ballon d’Or.
Having seen off Barca, Liverpool must focus on repairing their seriously-damaged relationship with Coutinho.
The 25-year-old formally handed in a transfer request in a bid to push through a move to the Nou Camp, claiming he did not wish to play again for the Reds.
He has not featured for Liverpool since hurting his back at the Audi Cup in Germany in pre-season.
Coutinho is unlikely to return before the international break and Liverpool must use the time before their Premier League clash with Manchester City on September 9 to bring him back into the fold.
The club and manager Jurgen Klopp have been at pains not to criticise him during this difficult summer and they will be eager to move on quickly because the South American remains a key player.
Coutinho had always been the model pro before Barcelona turned his head, and Liverpool must make sure his focus returns to performing to his best for them.