Barcelona Star Threatens to Leave Camp Nou Should Philippe Coutinho Join in January

Barcelona playmaker Ivan Rakitic has reportedly warned manager Ernesto Valverde that he'll force a move away from Catalonia if the club sign Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho when the January transfer window rolls around.

Coutinho has been a long term target for the Blaugrana. Despite signing a new contract at Anfield at the start of 2017, Barca were not deterred from making a move for the 25-year-old over summer - prompting the Brazilian to even hand in a transfer request in Merseyside.

However, the Catalonians failed in their attempts, but are expected to head back in for the midfielder come January - and Ivan Rakitic isn't a fan of the idea.

According to Diario Gol, Rakitic has told Valverde that he will force a move away from the club if Coutinho joins - the Croatian refusing to settle for a spot on the substitutes bench after a very impressive few seasons with the club.

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Coutinho's mood in Liverpool has improved since the summer transfer deadline - much to Rakitic's expected delight. Despite failing to engineer a move away from the club, he now seems committed to the Reds' campaign, claiming he's happy in England:

"I’m playing in one of the biggest leagues in the world," Coutinho said ahead of Brazil's international friendly against England at Wembley, via Daily Star.

Despite his claims, it wouldn't be surprising if the former Inter Milan player jumped ship to Spain. With Liverpool currently stuck in fifth in the Premier League, and Barcelona flying high at the top of La Liga, the chances of silverware seem much more likely at Camp Nou than at Anfield.