Jurgen Klopp’s advice to Philippe Coutinho in 2018, warning him against a move to La Liga, could serve as a cautionary tale for Trent Alexander-Arnold as his own potential transfer to Real Madrid nears.
The Liverpool defender’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and with Madrid reportedly leading the race for his signature, Alexander-Arnold will soon be free to negotiate with other clubs.
However, Coutinho’s difficult stint at Barcelona after his £142 million move in 2018 should make Alexander-Arnold think twice.
The Brazilian left Liverpool in 2018 to join Barcelona for a fee of £142 million.
Before Coutinho’s departure, Klopp warned him that moving to a club like Real Madrid or Barcelona would result in him becoming “just another player.
Klopp revealed in 2019, “I told him to stay here and they will end up building a statue in your honour.”
“Go somewhere else, to Barcelona, to Bayern Munich, to Real Madrid, and you will be just another player. Here, you can be something more.”
This proved true for Coutinho, who struggled to live up to expectations and eventually moved to Aston Villa in 2022 after a series of underwhelming performances.
Despite his unsuccessful time in Spain, Coutinho insists he has no regrets, even though Liverpool won the Champions League and Premier League after his departure.
For Alexander-Arnold, Coutinho’s experience offers a stark warning.
Liverpool is currently thriving, sitting at the top of the Premier League as well as the Champions League, and no doubt Alexander-Arnold may be tempted by the allure of a new challenge.
Article updated 2 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
