---
title: "Balague delivers bad news for Liverpool fans ahead of Champions League return"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/balague-delivers-bad-news-for-liverpool-fans-ahead-of-champions-league-return/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Jonny Gorrie"
section: "La Liga News"
published: "2017-07-22T18:25:05Z"
modified: "2017-07-22T18:25:05Z"
---

# Balague delivers bad news for Liverpool fans ahead of Champions League return

**Yesterday’s signing of Andrew Roberston had the Liverpool fans in the Transfer Tavern celebrating.**

While signing a defender from a relegated side may not instantly strike you as the most exciting of moves, the fact Jurgen Klopp has FINALLY strengthened his option at left-back really is a reason for our resident Reds to cheer.

That, along with fact that Liverpool [reportedly](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40679205) SNUBBED a big offer from Barcelona for star man Philippe Coutinho, made yesterday a rather good day indeed.

Still, comments from La Liga expert Guillem Balague have caused concern amongst our local Kopites. He [claims](https://twitter.com/GuillemBalague/status/888465075924852736) that the *Blaugrana* expect Paris Saint-Germain to pay Neymar’s release clause this week, something that may impact on Coutinho.

Balague [claims](https://twitter.com/GuillemBalague/status/888465075924852736) the 25-year-old was NOT previously a target, though a new offer from the Camp Nou is [thought](https://twitter.com/GuillemBalague/status/888465075924852736) to be on the way, should Neymar leave for the French capital in what would be a world record deal.

> FCB expect PSG to pay Neymar's buyout clause this week. Coutinho WAS not a target as he's similar. But now a new offer to LFC is on its way [pic.twitter.com/If3DhpY2H1](https://t.co/If3DhpY2H1)
>
> — Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) [July 21, 2017](https://twitter.com/GuillemBalague/status/888465075924852736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

Barca were [understood](https://twitter.com/GuillemBalague/status/888465075924852736) to have viewed the former Inter Milan youngster as a player a bit too similar to Neymar, though the idea of him leaving [looks](https://twitter.com/GuillemBalague/status/888465075924852736) to have sparked a huge amount of interest in Jurgen Klopp’s star man.

Having seen what Luis Suarez’s departure did to the club, the Liverpool fans here in the bar are desperately hoping Coutinho sticks around for another year.

**Thoughts?**