Liverpool are no strangers to having their talent hijacked by Real Madrid and Barcelona, but legendary midfielder Steven Gerrard hopes that won’t be the case when it comes to star midfielder Philippe Coutinho.
According to the Telegraph, Gerrard expressed concern that the Reds might lose their prized attacker/winger in a shock bid from the two La Liga powerhouses.
In his new autobiography entitled “My Story,” Gerrard predicted great things for Coutinho at Anfield but added his fear that Coutinho would be pried away the same way that Luis Suarez was back in 2014.
“Philippe is wonderfully gifted and I expect him to become Liverpool’s leading player,” Gerrard – now with the LA Galaxy – said. “Many Liverpool fans already regard him as our main man.
“He has just signed a new deal and he and his wife — who are a lovely couple — seem settled here.
“But I also know that the Spanish giants, Barcelona and Real Madrid, will come looking for Philippe in a few more seasons, just like they did with Luis.
“And that’s when it will get tricky for Liverpool because the lure to go to one of those two clubs is so strong for any South American or Spanish player.
“Until that happens, Liverpool should really treasure Philippe.”
Philippe Coutinho joined Liverpool on an £8.5 million transfer back in 2013 and is one of the most consistent scoring threats on the team (now that Raheem Sterling and Gerrard are gone). In 85 league appearances for the Reds, Coutinho has 14 goals, including the game-winning Week 1 goal from the club’s win over Stoke City.
SEE MORE:
5 Premier League talking points from weekend: Time running out for Chelsea and Liverpool bosses
Steven Gerrard: Liverpool legend tried to convince Chelsea & Real Madrid stars to join Reds
Liverpool & Arsenal receive update in chase for English WONDERKID
COMMENTS