That is the opinion of BT Sport pundit and former Chelsea and England midfielder Frank Lampard.

Barcelona and Liverpool agreed a fee of £142million for Philippe Coutinho earlier today and he has now signed a five-and-a-half-year contract.

With Coutinho cup-tied in the Champions League and Barca running away with La Liga, many thought a deal would not happen until the summer.

But Lampard reckons Neymar’s world-record move to Paris Saint-Germain put pressure on the Barcelona board to make a high-profile signing.

“Maybe they needed to make a statement because of what’s happened with Neymar recently,” Lampard said.

“Listen, Coutinho’s a fantastic player, he will be a great player for them for sure. 

“He wanted to go and Liverpool now, what’s important is that they recruit well with that money, spend it well.”

Former Liverpool midfielder Steve McManaman was one of those surprised that Coutinho has joined Barcelona in this transfer window.

“I think it was inevitable it was going to happen,” McManaman said.

“We all wish him the best, he’s done marvellous service for Liverpool, he’s had a really good six months. 

“Slightly surprised he went now because I don’t see why; he’s got a World Cup to play at the end of the season, he’s playing well, why not keep on playing well with Liverpool?”