Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona: Liverpool midfielder to refuse to play in Champions League for the Reds as he pushes for move in January
According to bizarre reports from Spain, the 25-year-old still wants out from Anfield and is eyeing up a move away in the winter transfer window
Liverpool star Philippe Coutino will refuse to play for Liverpool in the Champions League as he fails to rule out signing for Barcelona in January, according to bizarre claims from Spain.
The 25-year-old was denied a move away from the Reds in the transfer window, with the La Liga side being knocked back in their attempts to bring him to the Nou Camp.
And according to Catalan-based newspaper Sport, the Brazilian is considering not playing in the group stages in Europe's premier competition.
They state: "Philippe Coutinho's disgust with Liverpool is monumental."
If the ex-Inter Milan ace features for Jurgen Klopp's men against Sevilla, Spartak Moscow or Maribor, he would be ineligible to feature for Barca in the knockout round should he make the move to Spain.
The report claims that he still harbours hope of donning the famous Barca jersey this season, and has been left "hurt" by Liverpool for blocking his dream move.
He is yet to feature for Merseyside outfit this campaign, but has played for Brazil - recently netting against Ecuador in a World Cup qualifier.
Sport conclude their story by saying: "Coutinho together with his family analyses what measures he is going to take, thinking about his career plan.
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"He feels under appreciated by everyone at Anfield and is unwilling to turn the page of the summer he has lived.”
A transfer request was filed last month to force through a move to the Copa del Rey champions.
Barca were rebuffed yet again by Liverpool just days ago as they failed to lure Coutinho away in a whopping £138million deal - being quoted £185m for his services.
Ir remains to be seen whether the midfielder will play any part in the clash against Manchester City at the Etihad on Saturday.
