LONDON. — Neymar’s sensational world-record move to Paris St-Germain has caused major transfer problems for English Premier League soccer clubs.
Barcelona, armed with £198m from Neymar’s departure, have made Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho their top target to replace him.
Kop boss Jurgen Klopp insists Coutinho, 25, is not for sale. But Barca are ready to test that stance with a record offer to a British club of up to £120m. And the cash-rich Catalan club also intend paying £70m for Borussia Dortmund’s Ousmane Dembele – which will impact on THREE Premier League clubs.
The London trio of Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal all want French attacker Dembele (20). But they are set to be blown out of the water by Barcelona as they spend their Neymar windfall.
There could also be an additional problem for Premier League champions Chelsea if Barca do not land Coutinho. The next name on Barcelona’s list of targets is likely to be Stamford Bridge star Eden Hazard (26). — The Daily Star



