Coutinho’s agent rules out a return to England for Barcelona midfielder

Philippe Coutinho-Barcelona

Barcelona midfielder Phillipe Coutinho has ruled out a possible return to England because of his love for Liverpool.

The Brazilian joined Barcelona from Liverpool in January 2018 for an eye-watering £145million. The deal made him the third most expensive player in the world behind PSG duo Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.

But three years after his move, Coutinho is yet to hit the heights that made Barcelona make him their most expensive signing ever.

The 29-year-old has scored 24 goals in 90 games and has failed to nail down a spot in the first team. As a result, the Spanish La Liga giants are reportedly looking to sell him to help lower their overblown wage bill.

Reports claim that Coutinho could be on his way back to England. But, according to his agent Kia Joorabchian, that possibility is unlikely as Liverpool still lay ‘very deep in the Brazilian’s heart.’

Speaking to Sky Sports, Joorabchian said:

‘I think Liverpool lies very, very deeply in his heart. He was a big fan of them throughout the campaign (last season).

‘He was wishing for them to win the title, and he has a very strong affinity there, so I think it will be very difficult for him to go to a direct competitor of Liverpool from a personal standpoint.’

Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp has previously ruled out Coutinho’s return to Liverpool, insisting that it would be ‘difficult’ for the club to sanction a move back for Coutinho.

After Inter Milan, Coutinho spent five years at Liverpool and scored 54 goals and assisted 43 in 201 games for the Reds.