Brazil team-mates of Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho, 25, reportedly saw him crying before the World Cup qualifying victory over Ecuador, after his move to Barcelona broke down

Brazil team-mates of Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho, 25, reportedly saw him crying before the World Cup qualifying victory over Ecuador, after his move to Barcelona broke down
Indeed, after that game against Ecuador, Coutinho’s Brazilian teammate Neymar spoke to the media about the “ great sadness ” his friend is facing having seen his dream move fail to materialise.
Since last summer, Barcelona have not only spoken openly about their desire to sign Coutinho, it has been widely reported in Spain they had an agreement in place with him despite never being granted permission to negotiate terms with the player – a clear contravention of transfer rules.
Such ‘tapping up’ has been described as scandalous when applied in the Premier League – and would inevitably prompt an investigation – but in the global transfer market Barcelona would appear capable of following a different set of rules.
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