Jurgen Klopp: Liverpool Won’t Sell Philippe Coutinho This Summer

Jurgen Klopp has said Liverpool has no plans to sell Philippe Coutinho this summer, despite continuing rumors tying the midfielder to a move to Barcelona.

Liverpool not selling Philippe Coutinho, says Jurgen Klopp

The German manager joked that a £400 million ($515 million) release clause was included in Coutinho’s latest five-year contract, which he signed in January, and added there is no pressure for Liverpool to sell anyone.

“There are absolutely no plans [to sell Coutinho],” Klopp said, according to The Telegraph’s Chris Bascombe. “What our owners say is there is the absolute opportunity not to sell anybody if we do not want to. That means we can bring in other players, and it is a good situation. We have a stable squad with a good basis. We want to bring a few in with fresh blood but nobody will leave us without our say so I am completely relaxed about this.”

Catalan newspaper Sport recently reported there were negotiations for the 24-year-old Brazilian to transfer to Barcelona:

Coutinho has delivered a fantastic performance this season with ten Premier League goals and six assists in 29 appearances to mark his best campaign since signing with Liverpool in January 2013.

The Reds last tied Southampton at Anfield on Sunday, and won a road game at Watford on May 1. Liverpool are now hoping to qualify in the top four of the Champions League, and will need to win their final two games of the season — at West Ham on Sunday and against Middlesbrough at home on May 21 — in order to earn the six points they need to qualify.

Sadio Mane, whose season ended early due to a knee injury in April that required surgery, said he is confident his teammates can secure a top-four Champions League finish. The Senegalese forward added he is recovering smoothly from his injury.

“It’s getting better, much better. The operation went well. Soon I will be running again and I should be fine for the start of pre-season,” said Mane. “Every player wants to play every game but injuries are part of football and I just have to accept it.”

Mane continued: “It’s frustrating being out and having to watch, but my team-mates are still doing a great job on the pitch. I am very confident that they will get the points we need from the final two matches to get us in the top four.”

The 25-year-old PFA Team of the Year star also praised Klopp.

“We have a great manager and he knows what is required. We all want to get this club into the Champions League.”

WATFORD, ENGLAND – MAY 01: Philippe Coutinho of Liverpool goes down injured during the Premier League match between Watford and Liverpool at Vicarage Road on May 1, 2017 in Watford, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)