The speculation is almost always prevalent as to how the January transfer window can eclipse the previous one, and admittedly, most have failed to live up to the hype.
The 2011 skirmish that saw Fernando Torres stunningly move to Chelsea, with Liverpool bringing in Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez as replacements for the Spaniard is still widely remembered most vividly as pinnacle of the excitement the winter window can produce.
However now, in 2019, one astonishing move could surpass all, with former Liverpool man Philippe Coutinho currently linked with a move to the Reds’ fiercest rivals Manchester United.
The Manchester Evening News first picked up on reports the Red Devils were being linked with a ‘sensational move’ for the Brazilian playmaker from Barcelona this month, from speculation generated by Caught Offside.
The 26-year-old Coutinho has failed to make a sparkling impression for the blaugrana since moving from Anfield in an eye-popping £106million (€120million) transfer almost exactly a year ago, becoming the third most expensive player ever in the process.
With the funds Liverpool received for the attacking midfielder, they were able to procure goalkeeper Alisson from Roma and the world’s most expensive defender Virgil Van Dijk as they looked set to make their strongest title challenge in years.
The news of a rumoured Coutinho move to Old Trafford has ignited social media, with football fans everywhere determined to have their two cents about the once-thought impossible becoming possible.
Rather humorously one fan rejected the transfer;
“Man Utd doesn’t need coutinho. We have JLingz” @sayhafiz
Coutinho wore the Red of Liverpool for five years, between 2013 and 2018 after being bought for a retrospectively meagre fee of £8.5million from Inter Milan. He made over 200 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 54 goals and providing 45 assists. However, silverware was far from forthcoming.
In his first season at Barcelona, he received a La Liga winners medal, and helped lift the Copa del Rey.
If Coutinho did make the move to the Theatre of Dreams - as far-fetched as it may currently sound - there’s only one clear fixture to keep an eye out for; February 24th when Man Utd entertain Liverpool at Old Trafford in what could be a pivotal moment in the title race.
“Can you imagine the fumes from the redsh*te if Coutinho did join Man Utd this transfer window” @supernatrualbro
“Coutinho linked with a move to Man Utd... probably just paper talk... but... it actually could make sense!!” @theemalldogg
"If these @Phil_Coutinho to @ManUtd rumors are true i'll lose all the little love and respect i have remaining for you.
"Would love to have him back at Liverpool but if he joins Manu he will be no one but just another @themichaelowen. No one will love you like Liverpool fans did. @Taimurlfc
@Phil_Coutinho don’t do it Phil. Don’t sign for Man Utd. It would be a massive betrayal. @Bareknucklebonez
@Phil_Coutinho you're welcome at @ManUtd anytime papa @TheBoi_Willz
