Barcelona president: Liverpool wanted €200M for Coutinho

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu revealed that Liverpool's valuation for Philippe Coutinho almost doubled what the Spanish club was willing to spend.

The Brazilian was one of the most coveted footballers during a summer transfer period that saw fees soar to record highs, with Neymar's €222-million move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain followed by Ousmane Dembele's lucrative switch the other way to the Catalan giant from Borussia Dortmund.

Although he wouldn't reveal the exact amount that Barcelona offered, Bartomeu, who approved the €105-million payment for Dembele, said Liverpool had demanded a fee worth €200 million (£178 million) - a figure that would have made it difficult for the Spanish outfit to remain within the guidelines of FIFA's Financial Fair Play regulations.

"We weren't going to give €200 million or €150 million - we decided to step away from such an expensive market, our offer was less than €100 million, with add-ons it could have reached €120 million," Bartomeu told Spanish television, as translated by Sky Sports.

A report on the final day of the transfer window suggested that Barcelona failed to convince Liverpool to sell Coutinho - who submitted a transfer request before the Premier League season kicked off in August - for £138 million. It was reportedly the third offer turned down as the Reds remained steadfast over their position that Coutinho would not be sold.

After reportedly being upset over the failed transfer, Coutinho insisted he's committed to helping Liverpool this season.

Whether Barcelona returns to the bargaining table again next summer remains unknown, as Bartomeu suggested funds could be allocated toward improving facilities and developing talent.

"Money has come into football from outside the game and made (the transfer market) more expensive, which explains what happened with Coutinho," he said.

"We have to make these investments in La Masia and the club's academy, we must respect the rules."