Philippe Coutinho: Barcelona trio have issues with Liverpool deal for different reasons

Barcelona signed Coutinho from Liverpool on Saturday night with the 25-year-old moving to the Nou Camp in a huge £142million deal.

However, Spanish website Don Balon claim the club’s acquisition of the Brazil international has not sat well with three Barca players.

Club captain Iniesta is supposedly unhappy and now fears for his future following Philippe Coutinho’s arrival.

The four-time Champions League winner has ruled the roost in midfield for well over a decade, helping Barcelona to silverware aplenty in that time.

He also signed a ‘lifelong contract’ earlier in the season but it appears he may not see it out.

Iniesta is worried that he may become a substitute now that Coutinho has joined.

And with the World Cup in Russia taking place at the end of the season, the 33-year-old fears for his place in Julen Lopetegui’s side.

Don Balon add, however, that the veteran is not the only player who has an issue with Coutinho’s arrival.

Dembele and Rakitic are also far from happy about the prospect of competing against the former Liverpool star for game time.

Rakitic supposedly is ready to leave if he finds himself out in the cold. 

Liverpool and Arsenal have both been tipped to sign the Croatia international, with Juventus another interested party.

Dembele, meanwhile, is worried that Coutinho’s arrival may force him to make do with a place on the bench.

The winger signed from Borussia Dortmund for £120million but, despite costing such huge amounts, is not a guaranteed starter for Ernesto Valverde.