While any move to bring Philippe Coutinho back to Anfield may have been ended in the summer, the midfielder could still play a role in Liverpool’s latest transfer business.
The Brazilian departed Barcelona on a season-long loan to Bayern Munich back in August.
And while he racked up 45 assists in 201 games for the Reds, his presence in Munich could now set up a key piece of business for Jurgen Klopp’s men.
In recent days speculation regarding German forward Thomas Muller has ramped up, with the 30-year-old former Germany international becoming unsettled at the Bavarian outfit.
Central to that is Coutinho.
German football expert Kevin Hatchard spoke to the Blood Red podcast during this international break to rule an eye over the possibility of any moves for the Bundesliga’s top talent including the likes of Jadon Sancho, Kai Havertz, Timo Werner and Thomas Muller.
A move for the forward, on the surface, would appear unlikely given Ragnar Klavan is the only outfield player over the age of 30 to have been signed by Liverpool during Jurgen Klopp’s reign.
As Hatchard explains, though, a move for Muller could yet materialise.
“I think there is a genuine discomfort for Muller at the moment because he’s been on the bench for the last five games," he said.
“People go on about his goal output has dropped, but you look at the assists, he is still very much involved in a lot of the good stuff Bayern can do. He’s in a position he’s never really been in at Bayern which is somebody who is having to really scrap for a starting spot.
“The arrival of Coutinho has put him under pressure because Muller operates in that No.10 role. It’s probably the biggest challenge of Muller’s career.”
He added: “I still think he is a very, very good footballer and any top Premier League team would benefit from having him in the building.
“The fluid nature of it would appeal to Muller, without question because his movement is incredible.
"He’s so elusive, he picks up positions a lot of players simply don’t and I think he’d be a huge boost to Liverpool.
“I think Premier League clubs will be on alert.”
Continuing, Hatchard said: “They’ll be monitoring his progress but that block remains, how can you persuade him that he can be a regular first team player.”
