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This article is part of Football FanCast's Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba's haircuts to League Two relegation battles...

As reported exclusively by Calciomercato.it, Liverpool have made an offer to Barcelona of a two-year loan deal with an option to buy included for a sum of £88m - it is believed that Barcelona would prefer an outright sale without the two-year loan first.

The Brazil international has only been at the Camp Nou for around 18 months since his £142m move back in January 2018, and things really haven't gone to plan for the attacking midfielder.

The 5 foot 8 midfielder was signed to be Andres Iniesta's replacement in Catalonia, which isn't an easy task by any means - the legendary Spaniard will go down as one of the best players to ever grace the game.

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Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde made the mission even harder by playing Coutinho in the wrong position on a number of occasions. Sport reveals here that Valverde even played the former Inter Milan man on the right wing, which effectively nullifies his best trait of cutting in on his right foot.

In the most recent blow, Coutinho has reportedly had his No.7 shirt taken by new arrival Antoine Griezmann.

Some Liverpool fans still hate Coutinho for the way in which he forced a move away - he handed in a transfer request and paid his own money towards the move - but for footballing reasons only, the Reds need the Brazilian.

Nabil Fekir came within inches of arriving at Anfield last summer, but for a deal to break down - The Telegraph revealed that the Frenchman was the player Liverpool 'want' to fill the No.10 role vacated by Coutinho.

Seeing as they still haven't signed a player to do this, we could suggest that the Merseysiders are still looking for this player - there would be no better Coutinho replacement than the man himself.

When used properly, the 27-year-old remains an extremely effective attacker, shown by his two goals and one assist at the Copa America this summer in just six games when played in his favoured No.10 role behind the striker.

Liverpool's midfield is fairly workmanlike right now with midfield stalwarts such as Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Fabinho and Gini Wijnaldum starting most weeks, so the need for a creative source is a great one.

Forgetting past events, Liverpool should re-sign Coutinho purely for footballing reasons.