Confirmation that Philippe Coutinho will miss the Merseyside Derby has left fans convinced he is leaving Liverpool – and prompted us to pay out on him joining Barcelona this month.
After it was announced that Coutinho would miss a second fixture in succession for the Reds, we decided to pay out on the Brazilian magician departing Anfield.
Which should at least provide some solace for any Liverpool fans who have bet on their star man to leave – and double the joy of Everton supporters who did, too.
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Tongues were set wagging earlier this week when Barcelona and Coutinho sponsors Nike leaked imagery of his name on the Catalans’ shirt, and his continued absence from the first team – plus Jurgen Klopp’s non-committal statements on the matter – have heightened fears amongst Liverpool supporters.
The midfielder is odds-on (2/5) to move to the Nou Camp this month – with Thomas Lemar (10/3), Riyad Mahrez (4/1), and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (12/1) amongst his mooted replacements.
Asked about the potential spokesman Paddy Power said: “It’s clearly time for a Nou start for Philippe, as he puts the ‘out’ into Coutinho.
“Liverpool tried to play hardball, but Barcelona play tiki-taka – and I know which I prefer.”
COUTINHO ODDS2/5 To join Barcelona before 3rd February 2018
7/4 To stay at Liverpool
10/3 Thomas Lemar
4/1 Riyad Mahrez
12/1 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
20/1 Arturo Vidal
33/1 Edinson Cavani
* Paddy Power’s full transfer special odds can be found online here.