Philippe Coutinho (Inter Milan)

Liverpool Teenage Brazilian Target's Future 'Undecided'

By Vanessa Keller
November 24, 2011

Philippe Coutinho has insisted that he wants to stay at Inter Milan for the long term future, but the Brazil international has admitted that whether he leaves the club in the next transfer window or not is out of his hands.

The 19 year old has made just 15 appearances for Inter, since signing with the club in the 2010 summer. And while he was given plenty of chances under former manager Rafa Benitez, Coutinho hasn't been shown the same faith from Claudio Ranieri.

And while Liverpool are closely monitoring Coutinho's progress, with the youngster reportedly recommended to the Reds by Benitez, he insists that if he has his way, he'll stay in Italy.

"I am grateful to Benitez, he gave me new positions and many chances", Coutinho told Corriere dello Sport.

"Ranieri is telling me to remain calm and to do in the game the same things I am doing in training.

"I feel a lot of energy and if he asks me to play I will be ready.

"The transfer rumours? I can't decide the future by myself. If it was up to me I would stay forever in an Inter shirt."

Coutinho scored for Inter on the weekend against Cagliari, and as a result, was given the chance to play in the midweek Champions League match up with Trabzonspor.

Liverpool reportedly see Coutinho as another young player full of potential, and as Kenny Dalglish continues to build a side of youngsters with the long term goal of challenging for trophies, he is said to be monitoring the attacking midfielder's situation in Italy very closely.

Coutinho began his career at Brazilian side CR Vasco de Gama, signing for Inter at the tender age of 16 for a fee of €4 million. He moved to Italy at age 18, but his limited appearances for the side have given way to speculation that he might move on to greener pastures.

The starlet has acknowledged in the past that Liverpool are interested in him, and should the side qualify for the Champions League next season, his head may be turned if Dalglish can promise more game time at Anfield.

The club's connection to Coutinho dates back some time, with Liverpool's director of football Damien Comolli watching him take on Scotland in an international friendly with Brazil in March this year.

http://uk.ibtimes.com/articles/255628/20111124/liverpool-teenage-brazilian-target-s-future-undecided.htm

My love for him is obvious.

He's special. A cross breed between Gerrard and Suarez in that deep lying attack role. Keen eye for a pass, excellent finisher, can beat a man, movement is outstanding and still a lot of improvement in him.

My love for him is obvious.

He's special. A cross breed between Gerrard and Suarez in that deep lying attack role. Keen eye for a pass, excellent finisher, can beat a man, movement is outstanding and still a lot of improvement in him.

I'd take him in a heart beat based on what i've seen of him and the fact that Rafa obviously seen something very special in him as we all know its unusual for Rafa to play a young lad as consistently as he did Coutinho, that to me says he must have been very good in training aswell as matches even just to catch Rafa's eye.

The faith he had in him was immense. He had games where he built the team around Coutinho and asked Sneijder to play deeper.

I'm all for this.

The faith he had in him was immense. He had games where he built the team around Coutinho and asked Sneijder to play deeper.

I'm all for this.

Yeh it was mate can remember thinking at the time it was unusual for Rafa, he was normally very reserved in introducing youngsters into the first team but with Coutinho he just threw him straight in.

Its definitely a signing I think most reds would be happy with, has he got an eu passport ?

Edit: apparently not.

Rafa may have some influence with the lad still and sway a deal our way... would love him to play for us that's for sure

 Would abslotuely love him here. What a talent he is. From the very first time I saw him play at Inter I thought he had some real class around him.

I'd love him here, but I can't see Inter allowing him to leave, especially considering the fact that many of their 1st team players are fairly old.  A phenomenal talent, but an unrealistic target in my opinion.

He would be great and together with Lucas he can attract other Brazilians?
But the guy has talent and is young, he has pace, vision and can score. We lack goals from midfield.
for 10mil it's worth a bid

Its definitely a signing I think most reds would be happy with, has he got an eu passport ?

Edit: apparently not.

Unless he's getting international games, I doubt we'll be buying anytime soon, as I don't see us getting a work permit for him.

Definitely a star in the making and more like the type of player I'd like to see us bringing in, not sure about the issues with the work permit and there's always a way it seems (almost I know!).

I would love it if he signed for us. always have admired him.

I've not seen much of him but if he's do great how come he can't get a game for inter?

Because Claudio Ranieri isn't a manager to risk his job on a youngster when he probably won't be in the job in two seasons.

He's brilliant. Be assured.

Crouch do you think we have a chance at getting him?

Seems like Inter recognise his talent and might want to keep him for a rainy day in the future.

Crouch do you think we have a chance at getting him?

Seems like Inter recognise his talent and might want to keep him for a rainy day in the future.

I have to say no.  Moratti once claimed that Coutinho was "the future of Inter Milan" back when Benitez was in charge (I apologize - I can't find the article right now).  His talent is undeniable, and Moratti isn't stupid.  If Coutinho leaves, it will be on loan to a team where he will get regular 1st team footie to aid his development.  Inter most likely will not sell him until he has proven he is incapable of making the grade there.....

Italian economy not too hot at the moment, who knows how this is effecting them, what I'm speculating is that of course we'll get him. It's a near certainty haha, honestly don't see us grabbing him, if we did it would be a stellar purchase in my eyes.

Don't know anything about this guy, but I think if you have 3 P's in your first name, you gotta be good!

Don't know anything about this guy, but I think if you have 3 P's in your first name, you gotta be good!

Reds now looking in to purchasing Pippa Middleton for a boot room role.

Crouch do you think we have a chance at getting him?

Seems like Inter recognise his talent and might want to keep him for a rainy day in the future.

If Sneijder stays, we'll probably have zero chance. If we move quick and go in with 20m i think he can be ours.

I signed him in FIFA 12....he was good.

I signed him in FIFA 12....he was good.

Let's go get him then!

To be honest I haven't seen him play, is he worth it?

Let's go get him then!

To be honest I haven't seen him play, is he worth it?

In short...

yes.

Don't know anything about this guy, but I think if you have 3 P's in your first name, you gotta be good!

Phillipe Senderos ?

Regarding this Coutinho lad, admitted I know not much about him but above mentioned Rafa recommended him to LFC and I trust in Rafa's eyes so I believe he could be good for us. 

I think he's over rated. Been watching a lot of Seria A this year because we got ESPN in the flat... And well he may stand out in that Inter team at times but then again they aren't the force they were. Then again he is only a young gun... 19 is he?

He's 19.

And it's Claudio Ranieri.

I'd love to know what young talent he has brought through in his career.

Not sure on his accolades for that (Tinkerman that is). Seen the last match against Fiorentina on a reply and I must say the pass he layed off for the goal was world class

He's fantastic. Watched a lot of Inter at the beginning of last season and you could see his talent.

Coutinho's been loaned out to Espanyol for the rest of the season

Coutinho's been loaned out to Espanyol for the rest of the season

8 Million buy on clause in it too.

Could be a bargain.

Coutinho's been loaned out to Espanyol for the rest of the season

Hopes to help them make the Champions League? If they do, 8 million to buy would be a huge steal. I think he'll do well in Spain.

8 Million buy on clause in it too.

Could be a bargain.

I've not heard of this 8M clause in this loan deal.  I personally have my doubts that they would allow him to leave so cheap as I'm sure there are a number of teams who would have bought him right now for more than that.

Good on Espanyol if they manage to pull it off though...