Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has claimed that Philippe Coutinho's future is in the hands of the club's owners, reports The Guardian.
What's the word?
It has been widely reported that Barcelona are keen to sign the Brazilian, and the Spanish club ramped up their efforts following Neymar's move to Paris Saint-Germain.
Liverpool's American owners Fenway Sports Group released a statement insisting that Coutinho will not be sold this summer.
Just a few hours later it emerged that the 25-year-old, who joined the Reds from Inter Milan in 2013, had submitted a transfer request.
Coutinho was ruled out of Saturday's Premier League opener at Watford with a back injury and is expected to miss the first leg of the Reds' Champions League qualifier against Hoffenheim next Tuesday.
When asked about any developments regarding the playmaker's situation, Klopp made it clear that whatever happens is down to the owners.
The Guardian quotes Liverpool's manager as saying:
“I didn’t get [the transfer request] but I can say something that is maybe more important. As a manager of a football club I have bosses, and if bosses decide, for example, just in general, if we sell a player or we don’t sell him, then I have to accept it. I cannot say anything about [the transfer request]. I work with the players I have - that is what I’m always doing.”
What is the best outcome for Liverpool?
The 3-3 draw at Watford showed that the Reds are still carrying problems from last season, particularly defensively.
There is work to do, so having the Coutinho situation as a dark cloud over the club is not going to help matters.
There have not been any suggestions that the Brazilian is being difficult behind the scenes, but there is clearly a disagreement as he wants to leave but Liverpool seem to be digging their heels in.
No club wants to keep a player who is not 100% committed to the cause, and while Coutinho is arguably Liverpool's best in the current team, no-one is bigger than the club.
It would be disappointing on all fronts if the relationship soured, so unless the playmaker is willing to put his desire to join Barcelona aside for a season, then Liverpool should take the money and recruit a replacement.
https://video.footballfancast.com/video-2015/fm90sc-neymar.mp4