Klopp reveals how Liverpool failed to keep Coutinho from joining Barcelona

Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp, has explained that the club did all they could to keep Philippe Coutinho, but the player had been “desperate” to go to Barcelona since July.

The Reds have agreed an initial fee of €120million (£106.4m), with a further €40m (£35.5m) in add-ons with the Catalans.

“It is with great reluctance that we – as a team and club – prepare to say farewell to a good friend, a wonderful person and a fantastic player in Philippe Coutinho.

“It is no secret that Philippe has wanted this move to happen since July, when Barcelona first made their interest known.

“Philippe was insistent with me, the owners and even his teammates this was a move he was desperate to make happen.

“Despite that, we managed to keep the player here beyond the summer window, hoping that we would be able to persuade him to stay and be part of what we are looking to do,” Klopp said.