It’s no secret that Ernesto Valverde has endured a tough start to life at Barcelona, as the lack of transfer activity has fans worried whether they’ll be able to mount a serious challenge in the upcoming La Liga campaign.

So far, the Catalan side have brought back Gerard Deulofeu from Everton, and then turned to Benfica’s Nelson Semedo after giving up on Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin.

SUMMER STRUGGLES

However, the move which has probably stung the most is Neymar’s record breaking departure to Paris Saint-Germain, with the French giants splashing out €222 million to activate the release clause and now we have to wait and see how they spend that money.

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They tried and failed to land Marco Verratti from PSG too, and have since been linked with several names who could replace the Brazil international to play alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

While Borussia Dortmund’s Ousmane Dembele has emerged as a serious target, it’s been well-documented that the Blaugrana are trying their best to land Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool.

It’s thought that Coutinho is open a move to Camp Nou, but he’d only leave Anfield if a deal can be agreed amicably between two sides and won’t force an exit.

Barcelona tried to make another move on Wednesday night, after it was revealed that a £90 million bid – including add-ons - had been rejected by the Merseyside club and they didn’t waste any time turning it down either, as it took them only 35 minutes to turn them away, per Mirror Football.

KLOPP'S EXPLANATION

Jurgen Klopp has remained firm on his stance to keep Coutinho at the club, as he aims to make a real go of competing in the Premier League title race.

While he has claimed that no player in the world is untouchable, he believes there’s no price that would make them give in.

Speaking to Sky Germany, Klopp said: “Liverpool is not a club that has to sell players.

“That is set in stone. So, what they pay in the end doesn’t matter.

“From a financial standpoint, there is no price limit to let him go. No price at which we are ready to give in. Our goal is to have the best possible team. So, we want to keep our guys and add new ones. That is our plan.

“Today, no player on the planet is untouchable. But a transfer is also a question of timing and if you have the opportunity and the need to react to such a transfer.

“Also, you have to ask, if you have the time to react. But just because of one request of one club, we don’t have to think about that. We are not in that situation.”

Based on Klopp’s stance, it looks like Barca will continue to endure a tough summer, especially since clubs know how much money they have available to spend.

What do you make of Jurgen Klopp’s reasons for not selling Philippe Coutinho? Have YOUR say in the comments section below.

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