Bayern Munich forward prevented Coutinho joining Barcelona

Liverpool were only willing to sanction Philippe Coutinho’s transfer to Barcelona if Thomas Muller replaced the Brazilian at Anfield but the Bayern Munich forward turned them down, reports Sport Bild.

Jurgen Klopp’s side rejected several bids for Coutinho from Barcelona and even turned down the chance to make in excess of £100m on their No.10 despite his pleas to move to the Camp Nou.

However, it has now been revealed that Liverpool were willing to sell Coutinho but only if Muller joined as his replacement.

The Germany international has dropped down the pecking order at Bayern under Carlo Ancelotti since the start of last season and has struggled to replicate the goalscoring form he showed when Pep Guardiola was head coach. 

Muller, who has conceded he was close to joining Manchester United a few years ago, has hinted he would consider a move away from Bayern in the future but turned down the chance to move to Anfield over the summer.

Neither Muller nor Bayern were interested in Liverpool’s interest despite the arrival of James Rodriguez, which meant Klopp’s side blocked Coutinho’s move to Barcelona.

Muller has started 29 of a possible 39 matches in the Bundesliga since the start of last season, only managing to score six goals in that time. However, only Emil Forsberg (20) has provided more assists than Muller (14) in that time.