The German reportedly sees the Barcelona man as the ideal replacement for his Brazilian star at Liverpool.
Reports emanating from Spain today suggest that Jürgen Klopp is demanding Barca ace Rafinha as part of any kind of deal that sees Philippe Coutinho head to the Nou Camp, according to Spanish media outlet Mundo Deportivo.
The Liverpool star has been heavily linked with a €100 million (£89.4 million) switch to the La Liga giants, and it will be hard for the Reds to resist the overtures of Barcelona, especially with that kind of money being banded about.
Klopp’s side would obviously be severely weakened, however, if they do indeed go on to sell Coutinho, so the German would have to heavily reinvest in a player who possesses similar attributes to those of the mercurial 25-year-old.
Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho
The Spanish newspaper report that Klopp actually wanted to sign the 24-year-old Barca star before talk of the Spanish giant’s interest in Coutinho had even materialised.
Whether Rafinha is good enough to pick up the mantle from the Liverpool star remains to be seen, however, if a move comes to fruition of course.
Philippe Coutinho
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