That is the verdict of former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson.

Coutinho’s £142million transfer to Barcelona was finally confirmed yesterday after months of speculation but transfer talk has quickly switched to who Liverpool could buy to replace the Brazilian.

Monaco’s Thomas Lemar and Leicester attacker Riyad Mahrez have been linked with a move to Anfield but a move for Sanchez, who is out of contract in the summer, could also be an option.

The Chile star wants to leave Arsenal and Manchester City are leading the race for his signature.

But Lawrenson reckons Sanchez would be the ideal replacement for Coutinho.

"There is a fella at Arsenal who wants out called Alexis Sanchez, that would be very interesting if Liverpool decide to go for someone like that," Lawrenson told BBC Sport.

"If you can get Sanchez, and you have already got Virgil van Dijk, then that is good business, probably good business for everyone."

Coutinho’s departure means he joins a long line of big players leaving the club but Lawrenson doesn’t think he is irreplaceable.

Lawrenson added: ”[Torres and Suarez] were both very, very good for Liverpool but when you think of it like that it does soften the blow for it because it is a case of, 'the King is dead, long live the King'.

"The loss of Coutinho is a blow but I don't think it is insurmountable. It is not like Tottenham losing Harry Kane, is it?"