The Change In Barcelona's Bid That Will See Them Land Coutinho

Just six months ago Liverpool were adamant that Philippe Coutinho would not leave, no matter how much he wanted to go. Three Barcelona bids later and that was the same. So what has changed in January?

Philippe Coutinho's move from Anfield to Barcelona has very much changed from if to when at this point. In fact it's very much starting to look like the when is getting ever closer too.

It doesn't feel like there's much reason for the transfer to happen in this window other than Barcelona and Coutinho have become so obsessed with the deal happening as soon as possible that it will.

Coutinho missed the start of season with injury and he's weirdly injured again. Image: PA Images.

Barca tried desperately in the summer to sign the Brazilian, first to placate Neymar and get him to stay and then replace the PSG forward, but no matter what they tried Liverpool stood firm.

Now top of La Liga by nine points, and 14 clear of Real Madrid, and unable to play Coutinho in the Champions League the Catalans look set to sign him for a reported £142 million, so why have things changed?

According to The Times the reason is all in the clauses. The paper report that where previously Barca's add ons were based on more unrealistic things, like Coutinho winning the Ballon d'Or, they're now based on appearances and winning leagues and cups.

Getting his hands on a Ballon d'Or might be tricky. Image: PA Images.

Barca will reportedly pay an initial £106 million up front for the 25 year-old midfielder and then a further £36 million in add ons, which will be linked to how many times he plays and how many trophies he wins.

Clearly Liverpool weren't optimistic they would get the additional money previously and are now more satisfied that the price will meet the valuation of one of their best players.

Coutinho has continued to play well this season despite wanting to leave. Image: PA Images.

The paper also reports that Liverpool tried one last attempt at getting the former Inter Milan player to stay at Anfield but the player had no interest in a pay rise and has his heart in the Camp Nou already, meaning even a summer move is unlikely.

Coutinho will miss Liverpool's FA Cup tie with Everton because of a thigh injury but it's not likely to keep him out for very long, by which time he may well be a Barcelona player!

Topics: Liverpool, Barcelona, Philippe Coutinho, Ballon d'Or

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

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