Liverpool want to offer one of their top stars in Philippe Coutinho a new contract, but will do so only on their terms.
The Times report that the Reds want to reward Coutinho with a new contract and better wages, but will refuse to insert any kind of release clause into the new deal.
The 24-year-old signed a new contract in February 2015 which runs till 2020. However, the club want to reward him for his continued development and evolution into one of the best attackers in the Premier League. They plan to make him one of the club’s highest earners.
Coutinho reportedly earns £100,000 per week in wages on his current deal, while the two highest paid players are Daniel Sturridge and James Milner, who earn just a shade more at £120,000 per week.
The Reds are looking to bump the Brazilian’s wages considerably, given the fact that the top players in the Premier League are earning much more. However, they want him to sign a new contract without a release clause, just like his present deal at Anfield.
The primary reason for this is the number of suitors Coutinho has been attracting thanks to his stellar performances for the Reds. La Liga giants Barcelona and Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain are both very interested in the attacking midfielder, and are well positioned to offer the kind of money in wages that the Reds simply cannot match.
Coutinho has had an injury hit season this time round which has seen his momentum stall after an explosive start to the season. The Brazilian has still managed to notch up 13 appearances in the Premier League though, scoring five goals and making five more.
Despite his injury woes, there is no doubt that Coutinho is one of the top stars at Liverpool. The club will not entertain any thoughts of selling him, especially considering he is still just 24 years old and still to hit his absolute peak years.
On his part, the Brazilian looks committed to the Reds for the time being. However the chance to play for regular Champions League sides, coupled with the wages on offer, could tempt Coutinho to consider a move away.
This is what Liverpool hope to stop with the new contract on offer, but it remains to be seen if the 24-year-old will sign it without a release clause.
