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Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona is not like Luis Suarez deal, Liverpool can't sell - Mellor
PHILIPPE COUTINHO’s proposed move to Barcelona is different to when Luis Suarez made the same switch from Liverpool, according to pundit and former Reds striker Neil Mellor.
How Liverpool could line up if they lose Coutinho to Barcelona
Coutinho is linked with a mega-money exit from Liverpool, with Barcelona on the market for a replacement for Neymar who joined Paris Saint-Germain last week.
Suarez left the Reds for Barca three summers ago but that deal was completed in mid-July, with plenty of time for then manager Brendan Rodgers to source a replacement.
With their season starting this Saturday lunchtime away at Watford, Mellor thinks Liverpool should persuade Coutinho to stay.
“It’s huge, it’s huge but I don’t think Liverpool need the money,” Mellor said on Sky Sports News.
Philippe Coutinho's proposed move to Barcelona is different to the Luis Suarez deal, says Mellor
When Luis Suarez left it was well-known when he would be leaving, Liverpool had time to find a replacemen
“You would say ‘what’s his value?’, it seems a big amount to be putting on it.
“It’s more the influence he gives Liverpool in that starting line-up and it will be a huge blow.
“Look at the timing, just before the Premier League season, to lose such a key player.
Liverpool must persuade Philippe Coutinho to stay amid Barcelona interest, says Neil Mellor
“When Suarez left it was well-known when he would be leaving, Liverpool had time to find a replacement.
“They won’t find that sort of time and that’s the frustrating thing. It’s up to the club, it’s up to the manager to try and convince him to stay.
“All Liverpool supporters want him to stay. Does Coutinho want to stay? That’s the question.”
Coutinho is a doubt for the trip to Watford with a back problem which he has struggled with in pre-season.
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