Barcelona cannot sign any more players from Liverpool for up to two years.
Philippe Coutinho became the second high-profile star to trade Anfield for the Nou Camp in the past four years, following Luis Suarez’s switch in summer 2014.
But reports in Spain allege that the Brazilian’s £142 million transfer in January will have medium-term consequences for the reigning La Liga champions.
According to Cadena Ser, an agreement was struck between the Reds and their Catalan counterparts that prevents Barca from poaching any players until 2020.
The understanding protects Liverpool from any immediate threat of other prized assets being poached by the Blaugrana just as Coutinho and Suarez were.
Roberto Firmino was recently linked with a move to Ernesto Valverde’s side as a direct replacement for Suarez, whose early-season form had sparked concerns.