Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool should sell Philippe Coutinho for a large price, but insists they should only let him go at the end of the season.
Liverpool rejected Barca's offers for the midfielder last summer, but may not be able to hold off their advances for much longer as the Spanish side are hoping to lure him to Camp Nou in the January transfer window.
Goal understands Coutinho, 25, has reiterated his desire to leave Anfield to join the Catalan side this month, but with Jurgen Klopp's side pushing for a strong domestic finish to the season and hoping to compete in the Champions League, Reds legend Carragher insists the club will gain nothing from letting him go before the campaign reaches its conclusion.
"[The] best thing [Liverpool] is agree the BIG fee for Coutinho to go in the summer like we’ve done with [Naby] Keita, not now," Carragher tweeted.
"What do the club gain by doing it now? Top four & [Champions League] progression seriously risked if they sell in January, and [it will be] difficult to replace him now.
"If he goes on strike he damages himself."
Best thing @LFC is agree the BIG fee for Coutinho to go in the summer like we’ve done with Keita, not now. What do the club gain by doing it now? Top 4 & CL progression seriously risked if they sell in Jan, & difficult to replace him now. If he goes on strike he damages himself.
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) January 3, 2018
Coutinho has spent five years at Anfield, having joined from Inter in January 2013, and is contracted to the club until 2022.
The Brazil international has scored seven goals in 14 Premier League appearances this term, adding six assists, and has netted a further five in as many Champions League games.
