Liverpool tranfers news and rumours: Phillippe Coutinho return from Barcelona explored

The attacking midfielder was sold to Barcelona for £142 million in January 2018 but has been linked with a potential comeback.
Barcelona forward Phillippe Coutinho. Picture:  David Ramos/Getty ImagesBarcelona forward Phillippe Coutinho. Picture:  David Ramos/Getty Images
Barcelona forward Phillippe Coutinho. Picture: David Ramos/Getty Images

Liverpool have just more than a week to complete any further transfers, with the window closing on Tuesday, August 31.

The Reds’ activity in the market has been fairly subdued this summer, with Ibrahima Konate the sole arrival for £36 million from RB Leipzig.

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Here is the latest transfer news and rumours coming out of Anfield on Monday.

Coutinho return

Phillippe Coutinho celebrates scoring for Liverpool against Swansea in December 2017. Picture: Jan Kruger/ Getty Images Phillippe Coutinho celebrates scoring for Liverpool against Swansea in December 2017. Picture: Jan Kruger/ Getty Images
Phillippe Coutinho celebrates scoring for Liverpool against Swansea in December 2017. Picture: Jan Kruger/ Getty Images

Liverpool explored the possibility of a Phillipe Coutinho return earlier this summer.

The playmaker left the Reds for Barcelona for £142 million in January 2018 but has struggled to find consistency at the Spanish giants.

With Barca looking to slash their wage bill after revealing debts of more than €1 billion, Liverpool looked into bringing Coutinho back to Anfield in a cut-price deal.

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However, with Lionel Messi departing for Paris Saint-Germain, the Brazilian is very much in Camp Nou manager Ronald Koeman’s plans for the season. (Mundo Deportivo)

Shaq set for exit

Xherdan Shaqiri. Picture: Paul Ellis - Pool/Getty ImagesXherdan Shaqiri. Picture: Paul Ellis - Pool/Getty Images
Xherdan Shaqiri. Picture: Paul Ellis - Pool/Getty Images

Xherdan Shaqiri is finalising his Liverpool exit to Lyon.

The Switzerland international moved to Anfield from Stoke in 2018 and has won the Champions League and Premier League in his three years on Merseyside.

But having made only nine starts in all competitions last campaign, Shaqiri is keen to play regular football elsewhere.

The ex-Bayern Munich forward had already agreed personal terms with Lyon but the Ligue 1 outfit failed to reach Liverpool’s asking price.

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The two clubs have now met on a fee of £9.75 million and Shaqiri was omitted from Liverpool’s match-day squad for Saturday’s 2-0 win over Burnley. (The Athletic)

Traore bid a possibility

Wolves forward Adama Traore. Picture: Alex Pantling/Getty ImagesWolves forward Adama Traore. Picture: Alex Pantling/Getty Images
Wolves forward Adama Traore. Picture: Alex Pantling/Getty Images

Liverpool could look to put the transfer fee they’ll receive for Shaqiri towards Wolves’ Adama Traore.

The Reds have long been linked with the pacy forward who’s valued at £40 million.

Nuno Espirito Santo wants to reunite with Traore at Tottenham, having worked together at Wolves.

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But the Shaqiri funds, along with the potential sale of Divock Origi, could see the Reds make a move. (Fabrizio Romero)

Woodburn given green light

Ben  Woodburn is Liverpool’s youngest goalscorer in the club’s history. Picture: Lewis Storey/Getty ImagesBen  Woodburn is Liverpool’s youngest goalscorer in the club’s history. Picture: Lewis Storey/Getty Images
Ben Woodburn is Liverpool’s youngest goalscorer in the club’s history. Picture: Lewis Storey/Getty Images

Manager Robbie Nielsen has confirmed Liverpool youngster Ben Woodburn has been given the green light to join Hearts on loan.

The attacking midfielder, who remains the youngest scorer in the club’s history from when he netted against Leeds in September 2017 aged 17 years and 45 days, has endured tough spells with Sheffield United, Oxford and Blackpool in recent seasons.

Now he’ll be hoping to get his career back on track at Tynecastle.

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Speaking after Hearts’ 1-1 draw with Aberdeen on Saturday, Nielsen said: “It’s been authorised by Liverpool.

“It is just a case of getting him up and getting him ready. I am delighted.”

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