England and Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has disclosed why Brazilian Philippe Coutinho is now under pressure to join Spanish La Liga giant FC Barcelona.
The former Liverpool Captain said the Catalan club have told the Brazilian to sign “now or never” thereby putting the attacker under immense pressure to force his way out of Anfield Stadium this summer transfer window.
Barcelona have targeted the Liverpool man as they seek to reinforce their squad following Neymar’s €222 million transfer to French Ligue 1 giant Paris Saint Germain.
But Reds owner, Fenway Sports Group, FSG, have insisted the 25-year-old attacker will not be sold.
Notwithstanding FSG’s stance on this transfer saga, the Brazilian has issued a transfer request.
The former England captain told BT Sports, “The problem here are FC Barcelona because they (Barcelona) will be saying to Coutinho’s agents: ‘It’s now or never.
“If he (Coutinho) doesn’t come now, we (Barcelona) are never coming back (signing) for him ever again.’ So they (Barcelona) are piling the pressure on him, and that’s why Coutinho’s reacted.
“This kid (footballers) who’s come from South America has always had a dream of playing for FC Barcelona, and he (Coutinho) is panicking thinking that if he (Coutinho) doesn’t do it now, it’ll never happen again.”
Asked if he had sympathy for the Brazilian, Steven Gerard said, “A little bit. Of course.
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