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Liverpool transfer news: Philippe Coutinho urged to snub Barcelona
LIVERPOOL star Philippe Coutinho should not leave for Barcelona this summer according to Paul Merson.
Philippe Coutinho RUINS ESPN broadcast during West Ham clash
Coutinho has starred for Liverpool this season and has been linked with a move away from Anfield at the end of the campaign.
The Brazilian midfielder signed a new five-year contract with the Reds in January to try and fight off interest from the likes of Barcelona.
Merson has advised Coutinho to stay in the Premier League because he would not get into the starting XI at the Nou Camp.
"You’d like to think so (that he would stay),” he said on Sky Sports.
Paul Merson says Philippe Coutinho should stay at Liverpool amid Barcelona rumours
Coutinho, they’re talking and I’ve heard about Barcelona and things like that. He’s not going to get in the Barcelona team
“Coutinho, they’re talking and I’ve heard about Barcelona and things like that. He’s not going to get in the Barcelona team, what’s the point?
“You’re playing at a great football club in Liverpool. It looks like they are going to be in the Champions League if they win this game (against Middlesbrough).
“Where else would you want to play? In my opinion you’re playing at a great club."
Striker Daniel Sturridge has also been linked with an exit from Liverpool after yet another frustrating season with injury problems.
Paul Merson says Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho would not get into Barcelona's team
But Merson says manager Jurgen Klopp must keep him because he’s one of the best when fit.
“Sturridge, if you get him fit I’m one of his biggest fans,” the Arsenal legend added.
“We saw that last weekend (against West Ham), if he’s fit he’s as good as anyone in this league.
“If he left, there will be so many clubs after him, he’s top drawer.”
Liverpool play their final game of the season against Middlesbrough this Sunday at Anfield.
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