Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho, was prepared to be patient over a move to Barcelona, but the club forced his hand after they rejected two bids.
Coutinho has been quiet as rumours about Barca’s interest increased, but eventually submitted a transfer request on Friday.
“Philippe has tried very hard to find an amicable solution to this situation but to no avail.
“He has tremendous love for the club and its fans, but like Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez have pointed out in the past, Liverpool does not let its players leave on amicable terms,” a close family member of Coutinho’s told Sky Sports News.
Barcelona have seen to bids of £90m and £100m turned down, but it is understood they are willing to go up to £110 for the 25-year-old.
Coutinho only signed a new five-and-a-half-year contract at Liverpool in January, and earlier in the day, a statement from the club’s owners had seemed to clear up his future.
“The club’s definitive stance is that no offers for Philippe will be considered and he will remain a member of Liverpool Football Club when the summer window closes,” the FSG statement read, issued prior to Coutinho’s transfer request.
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