Mark Lawrenson backs Liverpool FC to keep top 25-year-old until next summer
The Liverpool FC legend believes Philippe Coutinho will remain at Anfield until at least next summer
Mark Lawrenson has backed Liverpool FC to keep Philippe Coutinho until the end of the 2017-18 season.
The Brazil international scored 13 goals and made seven assists in 31 appearances in the Premier League last term.
The Reds midfielder helped Jurgen Klopp’s men to secure a place in the Champions League with his assists and goals contributing to a fourth-placed finish.
Coutinho attracted interest from La Liga giants Barcelona in the summer transfer window but the South American wasn’t allowed to leave Anfield.
Indeed, the 25-year-old handed in a transfer request but Liverpool FC refused to alter their stance on their number 10 playmaker.
Coutinho has already scored nine goals and six assists in 14 games in the Champions League and the Premier League this season ahead of the trip to Bournemouth.
The South American has been linked with Barcelona ahead of next month’s transfer window.
Former Liverpool FC defender Lawrenson doesn’t believe Barcelona will sign Coutinho in January given the Brazilian midfielder is cup tied in the Champions League.
“I think Coutinho has waited so long and if it happens, it happens in the summer,” Lawrenson told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“If he goes to a Champions League team, he can’t play [after January]. So what’s the point.”
Liverpool signed Coutinho in a £8.5m deal from Serie A giants Inter Milan in 2013.
