3 players that can realistically replace Philippe Coutinho at Liverpool

Wigan Athletic v Liverpool - Pre Season Friendly — As per raging speculation, Philippe Coutinho is on the cusp of a Barcelona move

With the January transfer window in full flow, the Philippe Coutinho transfer saga continues to gather momentum.

With new information coming out every day, who knows what's in store in the Brazilian’s future, but with Liverpool looking to establish themselves as a consistent top 4 team and being in the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 2008/09, it would take some offer to pry the midfielder away from Merseyside this month.

You don't fight as hard as Liverpool did in the summer to keep a player, then have him enter the best form of his career only to sell him halfway through the season. But then again, new reports are coming out every day, so you never know what will happen.

If Coutinho does leave this month, a top quality replacement will obviously be needed. Someone with Coutinho’s creatively is essential.

Just Like Coutinho, these players can play in a midfield 3 or on the wing in a 4-3-3 formation, or as a wide midfielder in a 4-4-2 formation - two formations Klopp has switched between this season.

That being said, here's a look at a few players who would be suitable replacements for the Brazilian at Liverpool:

#3 Julian Draxler (Paris Saint-Germain)

Paris Saint-Germain v FC Barcelona - UEFA Champions League Round of 16: First Leg — Julian Draxler possesses traits similar to Philippe Coutinho

Julian Draxler was linked with a move to Liverpool last January but opted to join Paris Saint-Germain. He had a good half a season in France, but since Neymar and Kylian Mbappe arrived in the French capital, Draxler has seen his play time reduced.

Klopp is clearly a fan of the 24-year-old having wanted him last year and this summer could be the perfect time for him to bring his fellow German to Merseyside. Draxler has shown he can be a world-class player and under Klopp, he could flourish and become Liverpool’s talisman.

Draxler’s dribbling and long range shooting is close to, if not on par with Coutinho’s, while he also provides a similar set-piece threat as the Brazilian. Draxler pulling the strings behind Liverpool’s front three will be an absolute nightmare for any team.