Philippe Coutinho is set to stay at Liverpool after signing a new contract in February, despite interest from Spanish giants Barcelona.
With both Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester City rumoured to be interested in Liverpool midfielder Coutinho, the Brazilian’s agent has reiterated his loyalty to the club.
Speaking to Brazilian TV channel Globo, Kia Joorabchian said “Philippe is extremely happy at Liverpool.”
“He signed a new long-term contract towards the end of last season that represents his ambition and his feeling for Liverpool,” Joorabchian continued.
“Reports that I have been talking to Real Madrid about Philippe are not true.
“His aspirations are to qualify for the Champions League with Liverpool this season and to win a trophy.
“That is all that he is focused on – and nothing else.”
This will come as a boost for the Reds as they look to build under Jurgen Klopp, who is set to replace the departed Brendan Rodgers as Liverpool manager.
Coutinho is one of the club’s key players, and at just 23 years old can play a vital role under the German for years to come.
The No. 10 was included in the PFC Team of the Year for the 2014/15 campaign, marking a rise to prominence on Merseyside after making the £8 million move from Inter Milan in 2012.
Now a regular in Dunga’s Brazil squad, Coutinho’s value has soared.
City were said to be preparing a £50 million bid for the midfielder, as reported by the Mirror, with Coutinho seen as a long-term replacement for David Silva at the Etihad Stadium.
Coutinho’s close friend Neymar recently expressed a desire to play alongside the former Vasco da Gama man at Barcelona, saying “he has the style of Barcelona.”
But, for now at least, Coutinho looks to have committed his future to Liverpool.
Joorabchian’s suggestion that a top-four finish and a trophy are in his client’s sights, however, could spell trouble in the future if Liverpool don’t progress quickly under Klopp.
One of Klopp’s priorities on arriving at the club will be to convince Coutinho he will be a vital player within his Liverpool system.
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