Luis Suarez insists Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho would be welcome at Barcelona
LUIS SUAREZ insists Philippe Coutinho would be welcome at Barcelona – with the Nou Camp side eyeing a January move for the Liverpool playmaker.
Brazilian Coutinho, 25, was the subject of three Barca offers in the summer and even handed in a transfer request.
Philippe Coutinho continues to be linked with a move to BarcelonaGetty Images
But the Kop side stood firm and Coutinho has since banged in five goals so far this term with five assists to boot.
However, Suarez, who remains good friends with his former Anfield team-mate, says he and Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann would fit right in.
Suarez told Spanish radio: “Both Griezmann and Coutinho are elite players that are playing at the top level.
“They are where they are for a reason.
Luis Suarez says he would welcome Philippe Coutinho to BarcelonaREUTERS
The Brazilian previously handed in a transfer requestPA:Press Association
“They’re both young and have long careers ahead of them. And Barca always want the best players.
“If you look at [Griezmann], at Atletico he needs to play with a No 9. He’s not a fixed No 9.
LIV A LITTLE Liverpool stars joined by stunning Wags at party“Obviously, Griezmann would come here to add to the team and to help the side in the position that the coach wants him to play.”
Suarez’s team-mate Andres Iniesta also recently waxed lyrical over Coutinho, saying he would be an “important reinforcement” for Ernesto Valverde’s side.
Luis Suarez says Antoine Griezmann would also make a good addition to the Barca sideEPA
Antoine Griezmann is also being linked with a move to BarcelonaAP:Associated Press
But it was Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who stepped in a reporter quizzed Coutinho over his future.
Coutinho initially replied: “I always say the same thing. I try to enjoy the moment, I like to play football and every time I go on the pitch I try my best.”
However, Oxlade-Chamberlain sensed his team-mate was feeling uncomfortable and decided to take matters into his own hands.
The winger said: “Phil’s a Liverpool player… he’s a Liverpool player right now and he’s doing really well for us.
“He’s been the most professional person I’ve seen all season. He’s been top quality from the start and every time he gets on the pitch he does his all for the club.
“That’s the most important thing right now. It’s not fair to ask those kinds of questions. He gives us his all every game and that’s all we can ask from him.”
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