FC Barcelona were able to sign Philippe Coutinho for £142m on
Saturday from Liverpool and was unveiled to the fans on Monday at Camp
Nou.
The ex-Liverpool midfielder has signed a 5-year deal with a buyout clause of
£400m. The Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu mentioned that the
club was eyeing the player since last summer.
The Bluagrana had presented three different deals to The Reds before coming into an agreement. While the Brazilian was ready for this dream move from the start, Fenway Sports Group denied any links of the player with Barca at the time.
The Liverpool club was against the transfer as they didn't want the players
to feel that they could have their way with the club. But when Coutinho started
throwing tantrums in August, the coach, Jurgen Klopp was given the choice. Who was willing to sign away his midfielder as he did not want the atmosphere to change in the club effecting the other players.
Another factor that led to the signing was the reduction in transfer fee. While there was no confirmation in terms of number, but the Barcelona Sports Director mentioned that the January deal had a big price reduction.
"The difference with the summer is that there has been a big reduction
in the price. By desire of Liverpool, we cannot give the figures, but there has
been a very important reduction. If I said something, it would be to break the
pact we have with Liverpool.
"It's bad for me but we cannot give any figures."
It was reported that a figure of £11.5m was invested personal by Courtinho to make this deal go through. While welcoming him into the club, Mestre made a note to appreciate this effort.
"Philippe, welcome. We know that you have made a personal and economic effort," said Barcelona vice-president Jordi Mestre.
While the Brazilian mentioned that he was fulfilling his dream by making
this transfer and thanked his previous club for staying true to their word.
"I'm very happy. Like I said before it's a dream. Thanks to lots of people, firstly God, my parents and my family who are here with me in every moment.
"I'd like to thank the president of FC Barcelona, the directors who had so much patience. I would like to thank Liverpool for the five years I had there and the directors, Mike Gordon who understood what I wanted, my dream, and they tried very hard to convince me to stay.
"They were men of their word with me and I gave them everything. It was the right time to come here."
Coutinho also thanked the Liverpool fans by saying, "To the fans who shared five years with me, thank you."
The Barcelona fans are both excited and anxious to see the Brazilian play but due to his thigh injury, he will be out of action for atleast a couple of weeks.
 |
| Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu with the newly signed player Philippe Coutinho |
The Bluagrana had presented three different deals to The Reds before coming into an agreement. While the Brazilian was ready for this dream move from the start, Fenway Sports Group denied any links of the player with Barca at the time.
 |
| The Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho |
Another factor that led to the signing was the reduction in transfer fee. While there was no confirmation in terms of number, but the Barcelona Sports Director mentioned that the January deal had a big price reduction.
 |
| Jordi Mestre, the Barcelona Sports Director, at the press conference |
"It's bad for me but we cannot give any figures."
It was reported that a figure of £11.5m was invested personal by Courtinho to make this deal go through. While welcoming him into the club, Mestre made a note to appreciate this effort.
"Philippe, welcome. We know that you have made a personal and economic effort," said Barcelona vice-president Jordi Mestre.
 |
| Philippe Coutinho with his Barcelona jersey of No.14 |
"I'm very happy. Like I said before it's a dream. Thanks to lots of people, firstly God, my parents and my family who are here with me in every moment.
"I'd like to thank the president of FC Barcelona, the directors who had so much patience. I would like to thank Liverpool for the five years I had there and the directors, Mike Gordon who understood what I wanted, my dream, and they tried very hard to convince me to stay.
"They were men of their word with me and I gave them everything. It was the right time to come here."
 |
| Philippe Coutinho celebrating a goal while playing for Liverpool |
The Barcelona fans are both excited and anxious to see the Brazilian play but due to his thigh injury, he will be out of action for atleast a couple of weeks.
