well there's briefings and there's briefings. for example after the CL win on the plane back journalists were even told there wasn't a "list" it proved true. I don't think any of us really expect a January buy as Klopp once said it was a bad time to buy and he's not done too much. The Coutinho/vvd thing being the exception and hangover form the summer. If anything Minamino was a surprise for us. However expecting something is certainly not the same as the club nodding at friendly journos. For me Klopp has said openly we were "not close" to signing anyone and we've had Pearce risk his athletic paywall rep by writing that we were focusing on options already at the club to cover ACON and not anticipating a signing. That would say to me its unlikely. You are of course right that clubs can say stuff and be doing totally different in the background and nobody wants to tip their hand in a competitive environment.
I'd rather have Coutinho on the bench as an option than Ox, but I'd rather be out there signing players who can compete for a first team spot for years to come.
Coutinho on loan to Villa rumours? Gerrard says he's making no snap decisions. Would anyone take him on loan here?
Depends. Coutinho for six months is better than no reinforcement. He's probably still better than Ox or Mini. I wouldn't want to get Coutinho though if a better long term prospect was available in our budget.
No but gerrard has made such a meal of it now his rep as an attracter of big name players is on the line. I know it's only villa but coutinho should be desperate to regain brazil squad status for 2022. If he goes elsewhere after the gushing praise from gerrard itll be funny.
Apparently origi contract runs out this summer but has a start enough games and triggers a 1 year extension. Didnt realise was the case sounds like might be on move at end of season for nothing in that case which is a shame.
I'd take Coutinho on a half season loan. He's got a heck of a consistent - just outside the box shot - that we don't currently have. Great work rate and defensively good if I'm remembering correctly.
Wouldn't worry we’re not in for him. Villa and one other club are the last 2 apparently decision tomorrow.
Yeh I know we're not in the conversation I was just putting forward my view on another player that has polarised the fans.
Well, I suppose he wasn't exactly known for his running under Brodgers so I doubt he could keep up with Milner or Henderson now he's older. He was a skillful technician and defence locksmith more than a hard pressing, hard running athlete.
Lets ignore Coutinho, he's 29 and would want a big wage (maybe not as much as he's on now, but still going to be a big chunk). Barca wont want to loan, as they need to sell, and even if it is loan they're going to want almost all his wages covered. Younger and less expensive over the long haul is needed
Liverpool are also thought to be exploring options [for the summer] to strengthen in central midfield. One of the candidates is Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni. [@David_Ornstein] From what I have seen and heard, he's a very talented midfielder and would provide cover for DM and LCM.
