They knew it, they ignored it, and still went on to make an offer, which was instantly turned down. At least that’s what happened according to reports, since no club confirmed it.
Liverpool had made it clear long ago that they are not, under any circumstances, going to sell Philippe Coutinho this summer, Barcelona had gotten the message, but even so, they are reported to have made a bid of 80 million euros, which the Reds rejected, Thursday night.
Just a couple of days ago was the last time Jurgen Klopp answered a Coutinho-related question, making it very clear that he can’t imagine the team without him next season, or the season after that.
The Brazil international signed a new five-year contract earlier in 2017, one that doesn’t have a release clause, which was seen as a sign of how determined Liverpool are to stick to their most prominent player.
According to the same reports, Liverpool sent another message to Barcelona; Coutinho is not for sale at 80 million euros, is not for sale at any price, and that’s that.
Ironically, Klopp is facing exactly the same attitude from RB Leipzig, who keep insisting that Naby Keita is not for sale, but Liverpool still keep pushing with renewed and improved offers.