09 December 2023 , 06:30
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Philippe Coutinho certainly can't say he wasn't warned that leaving Liverpool was a mistake, but ended up finding out the hard way in 2018.
After establishing himself as one of the most sought-after playmakers in world football, Barcelona eventually came knocking and the Brazilian's head was turned. Despite Liverpool's best efforts, not even they could turn down the astronomical £142million transfer the Blaugrana were offering in the January transfer window.
From Coutinho's perspective, he was walking away from a lot. The Anfield faithful adored him, he had the backing of boss Jurgen Klopp, but ultimately all of it paled in comparison to the bright lights of the Camp Nou. Unfortunately, it was a move that failed to work out and he soon lost his place in the Barcelona side.
Meanwhile, the Liverpool team he chose to leave won the Champions League as well as a league title for the first time in more than three decades. Coutinho spent the 19/20 season on loan with German giants Bayern Munich, but they weren't interested in making that deal a permanent one.
The summer of 2020 saw Coutinho linked with several clubs, including a potential return to Liverpool, but Klopp opted against bringing back the Brazilian. That served as a huge blow to the player, who had previously admitted to his friends that he made a big mistake in leaving Liverpool in the first place, and had dreams of lining up alongside compatriots Roberto Firmino (once more) and Alisson.
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As mentioned, Klopp did warn him against calling time on his Liverpool career. "Stay here and they will end up building a statue in your honour," said the Reds boss in 2017.
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Philippe Coutinho ignored Jurgen Klopp's advice and joined Barcelona in January 2018 (Getty Images)"Go somewhere else, to Barcelona, to Bayern Munich, to Real Madrid, and you will be just another player. Here you can be something more."
If only Coutinho had listened, perhaps he'd have been an integral part of that glorious period in Liverpool's history. Instead, he fell further and further down the pecking order until he joined Aston Villa in 2022, initially on loan before making the move permanent six months later.
Things started well, but when Steven Gerrard was sacked as manager and replaced by Unai Emery, the writing was on the wall for Coutinho. He currently plies his trade for Qatar Stars League club Al-Duhail on loan from Villa, where he has netted three goals in six games across all competitions so far this term.