Georginio Wijnaldum says 'everyone wants Philippe Coutinho to stay at Liverpool'

By Katie Shanahan

Image: Philippe Coutinho scored 14 goals in all competitions last season

Georginio Wijnaldum says everyone at Liverpool is desperate for Philippe Coutinho to stay at the club this season.

The Netherlands international spoke to Sky Sports News after Liverpool's 2-1 win at Hoffenheim in the first leg of their Champions League play-off clash on Tuesday, where Coutinho did not feature due to injury.

Coutinho is a transfer target for Barcelona, who had a second bid of £90.4m rejected by Liverpool, prompting the 25-year-old to send in a transfer request by email.

Georginio Wijnaldum says everyone at Liverpool wants Coutinho to stay

The 25-year-old was briefly at Liverpool's Melwood training ground on Wednesday morning as he continues to receive treatment for a back injury.

"Everyone wants him to stay," Wijnaldum said. "But no one can look in his head or make decisions for him.

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"He has to make the decisions for himself. So, it's difficult to speak about it and give an answer."

Image: Coutinho has been sidelined with a back injury

Sky Sports News reporter, Vinny O'Connor, asked Wijnaldum if he had spoken to Coutinho about a potential move to Barcelona: "He knows what I want, but it's his decision, we'll see what happens."

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Liverpool do not want to sell the midfielder, who made 36 appearances in all competitions last season scoring 14 goals in 2016/17.

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