PHILIPPE COUTINHO took a pay cut to secure his dream move to Barcelona.
The former Liverpool playmaker finally signed for the Catalan side in a £145million deal in January.
It was no secret Coutinho was desperate to sign for the La Liga leaders after handing in a transfer request to try and force a move last summer.
And although Liverpool held firm, the Reds finally caved in when Barca came calling with another giant offer.
But it appears Coutinho was so keen to join former team-mate Luis Suarez, that he took a pay cut according to Barca vice president Jordi Mestre.
Speaking to Sport, he revealed: “Yes, he made a big economic effort, like Mascherano and Luis Suarez in their day.
“This shows the desire they have to play at Barca.”
Mestre admitted the departure of Neymar contributed to a “little earthquake” in the club but they are now back on the right tracks.
IN THE RED Jurgen Klopp admits Liverpool cannot compete with Manchester City’s spending because it is ‘next level’
most read in football
He added: “It was a little earthquake, because the trident was gone, and Valverde, who had just arrived, would be left without him.
“But everyone did a great job, we didn’t lose our nerve or go mad.”
Leave a comment