Brazilian national player Coutinho to go Barcelona

Jan 7,2018: Liverpool have announced a deal has been agreed for Philippe Coutinho to join Barcelona this month, for a fee Sky Sports News understands to be £146m.

Sky Sports News reported earlier on Saturday evening that discussions between the two clubs had been underway for several weeks, both the fee and payment schedules had been agreed and a deal was close.

Now both clubs have announced the deal, with Coutinho taking off on a private jet for Barcelona in the last hour before the transfer was confirmed, and a medical expected to be carried out on Monday.

Barcelona say that the Brazilian will sign a five-and-a-half-year contract, with a buyout clause of 400m Euros (£354.6m).

We understand the player will stay in a Barcelona hotel overnight and will attend their match versus Levante on Sunday, live on Sky Sports, ahead of the medical the following day.

A Liverpool statement on the club’s website said: “Liverpool FC can confirm Philippe Coutinho will be leaving the club after a transfer agreement was reached with FC Barcelona, subject to medical and agreement of personal terms.

“The player now has permission to complete the usual formalities to conclude the transfer immediately.”

A Barcelona statement said: “FC Barcelona and Liverpool FC have reached an agreement for the transfer of Philippe Coutinho.

“The player will sign a contract for the remainder of the season and five more, and will have a buyout clause of 400 million euros.

Source: sky sports