Coutinho tranfer saga was heavy on the team

Wijnaldum admits Philippe Coutinho is an important player for the team and he's happy to see him stay

Coutinho, 25, was heavily linked with a move to Barcelona during the summer transfer window. 

Liverpool turned down bids of £70million, £90m and £118m from the La Liga giants as they looked to find a replacement for Neymar, who joined Paris Saint-Germain in a world-record £200m deal. 

The Brazil international even handed in a transfer request to try and force through a move to the Nou Camp. 

But the Reds stood firm and issued a public statement outlining that their prized asset is not for sale. 

Coutinho, 25, was heavily linked with a move to Barcelona during the summer transfer window. 

Liverpool turned down bids of £70million, £90m and £118m from the La Liga giants as they looked to find a replacement for Neymar, who joined Paris Saint-Germain in a world-record £200m deal. 

The Brazil international even handed in a transfer request to try and force through a move to the Nou Camp. 

But the Reds stood firm and issued a public statement outlining that their prized asset is not for sale.

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However, Wijnaldum insists the speculation surrounding his potential departure left him and his team-mates in two minds.

But he admitted that he understood why Coutinho wanted to seal a move to the Spanish giants.

“It was difficult,” Wijnaldum told the Liverpool Echo. 

“Phil is a really good person and we understood why he wanted to make the move.

“He’s someone who has always given everything for Liverpool. He has done a great job fighting for Liverpool.

“On one side we would have been happy for him if he could have gone as he really wanted to make the move, but on the other side as team-mates you want him to stay because you know with Phil because we’ll be better.

“There were two thoughts in your head. You can see it from both sides. Someone was going to be disappointed at the end of the transfer window and it was Phil.”

“Phil didn’t just show it in these two games, but throughout last season he showed what a top player he is,” he added.

“He’s an important player who can win games for us and make the team better. It was normal that the club tried so hard to keep him.

“You never know what will happen in the future. But Phil is a good person and no matter how long he’s here, I know he will always give everything for Liverpool. We’re so happy that he stayed.”

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