Liverpool had shrewd Coutinho clause with Barcelona – but it expires in summer

When Liverpool accepted an offer worth up to £140million from Barcelona for Philippe Coutinho in January 2018, they made sure to include a few transfer clauses that could potentially benefit them in the future.

One of those clauses has been well documented over the past year, with the Reds due a payment of £17million from Barca if Coutinho racked up 100 appearances for them.

The Brazilian is only 10 outings away from triggering that agreement, yet given the fact surgery on a knee injury is likely to keep him out for the rest of the season, coupled with the fact Barca are reportedly looking to sell him this summer, Anfield chiefs will not be holding their breath over receiving that windfall.

Barca were forced to pay Liverpool £4million after his first 25 appearances, while potential bonuses were also in store if Coutinho helped them win the Champions League or simply qualify for it.

However, Reds sporting director Michael Edwards also included another secret clause that prevented the Spanish giants from signing any of their players until 2021.

According to AS, Barca would have been forced to pay a premium of £81million on top of any standard transfer fee to prise another Liverpool player away from Anfield.

That clause is set to end this summer, but its expiry probably comes at a good time for the Premier League champions.

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    • Given Barca are experiencing financial problems right now, they are unlikely to be able to afford a mega-money move for one of their most valuable assets.

    Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane have been linked with Anfield departures in recent years, with Barca’s El Clasico rivals Real Madrid reportedly circling.

    Both players would command transfer fees upwards of £100million, nevertheless, which would likely prove too steep for the Catalans in their current predicament.

    Coutinho has scored 24 goals in 90 appearances for Barca, but his expensive transfer has generally been considered a failure.

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