20 Aug 2017 08:46:29
Just a quick question (for Ed2?) I'm aware of easily winding yous all up with not knowing how these things work, but why are we being told it's 'now or never' for Coutinho?

He's only 25, just signed a new long term contract with no release clause and will hopefully get the chance to play CL football at a club he seemed quite happy at.

I'm not saying that he shouldn't have ambition to play for Barcelona or that he shouldn't ever play there, but why is it not possible that he gives us one season (out of the five he signed up for)? A similar situation arose with Suarez and it didn't stop Barcelona coming back in for him the following year.

I wouldn't ask if it were something emanating from the club involved or Spanish media in general, but it's something the eds have mentioned once or twice too.

Apologies if this has been covered - I did try R'ingT (F) P's but I got lost in the sheer volume on the subject of the little magician.

Cheers in advance.

{Ed002's Note - Because Barcelona will move on because they have a spot in the side to fill. They want Countinho and he wants them - but if it can't happen they will move on. They sure as hell won't be waiting another year.}

1.) 20 Aug 2017
20 Aug 2017 09:41:09
I really believe we can't predict next year, if Barcelona signed Let's say Seri to play in cm and he was underwhelming or coutinho had an outstanding year and world cup I believe Barcelona would jus come back in for him. I understand ed002 delaying they won't wait a year for him which is understandable but that doesn't mean a future bid won't come in for him. In my opinion that is anyway.

2.) 20 Aug 2017
20 Aug 2017 09:46:25
Thanks for the prompt response!

Still can't help thinking if he's good enough, they will. Or if say someone, like say Paulinho, doesn't work out, they might well come in for him next year. Liverpool might have to with Kieta (house hunting in the Wirral notwithstanding)

They may well not want to wait, but there seem to be one or two teams digging their heels in and there aren't that many 'world class' players knocking around at many cashstrapped clubs these days.

(Dog With Bone)

{Ed002's Note - It is nothing to do with Paulinho, who plays in a completely different position, at all. Barcelona, as I have said and as they have said, don't want to wait.}

3.) 20 Aug 2017
20 Aug 2017 09:49:11
Ed002, I have to disagree with you on this one. If Couts stays another year and has a reasonably good one, then gets in the National team for the summer competition and excels there too, I have no doubt Barcelona will definitely come back in for him. I know they have gaps to fill NOW, but they will also have gaps to fill next season too.

However, I do still think he will go before the 31st of August.

{Ed002's Note - It is nothing to do with the World Cup. They want the player now - I have explained that. It has been made clear by Barcelona that they want the player now. They have an alternate that they will move to if necessary.}

4.) 20 Aug 2017
20 Aug 2017 10:22:55
They will wait. He's a one off and could be even more in need of him next season!

5.) 20 Aug 2017
20 Aug 2017 10:45:20
I agree that Barcelona will sign someone else if they don't get Coutinho this year - however Coutinho could stay for 3 years, potentially winning the league ( though I'd imagine his statue is in jeopardy due to the transfer request! ) and then join Barcelona- he'd only be the same age then as Suarez was when he joined them - he could end up fulfilling both of his expressed dreams.

{Ed002's Note - It is nothing to do with The Runt. His agen in three years time is of zero relevance.}

6.) 20 Aug 2017
20 Aug 2017 10:47:57
They will probably change their manager or their president or their sporting director in the next 12 months and the new man will come after Coutinho again.
Nice try Barcelona 😁.

7.) 20 Aug 2017
20 Aug 2017 11:03:47
Who says the player they sign instead of pipco won't be a flop? Nvr guaranteed anything in football!

{Ed002's Note - Sure - another idiotic post.}