Liverpool 2-2 Sevilla: Coutinho makes first appearance of the season
The Brazilian will not be able to play in Europe if he moves to Barça in January
The Catalan club tried to sign him in the summer and may try again mid-season
Philippe Coutinho came off the bench as Liverpool began their Champions League campaign with a 2-2 draw at Anfield against Sevilla.
Therefore, if Barcelona were to go back in for the Brazilian in January, he would be ineligible to represent the club in Europe until next season.
Barca failed with several bids for Coutinho in the summer — the player handed in a transfer request to try and push through a move to Camp Nou — and say they pulled out of a deal on deadline day because Liverpool demanded 200 million euros.
Coutinho had yet to feature for Jurgen Klopp’s side this season, but came on late in the second half against Sevilla.
The La Liga side took an early lead in England through Wissam Ben Yedder, but Liverpool equalised through Roberto Firmino.
Liverpool had taken the lead by half time through Mohamed Salah, but missed the chance to extend their lead when Firmino missed from the penalty spot.
That came back to haunt the home side when Joaquin Correa levelled the scores in the 72nd minute, prompting Klopp to turn to Coutinho.
The introduction of the Barça target didn’t have consequences on the game, but may have affect on any potential January move the Catalan club consider making.
Liverpool were reduced to 10 men in stoppage time, Joe Gomez sent off, as the game ended as an entertaining 2-2 draw.
