World of Sport Reporter: @worldofsport
Philippe Coutinho is set to become a Barcelona player after Liverpool and Barcelona agreed a deal, which is believed to be around £146m. The Brazilian ace will sign a five-and-a-half-year deal, with a buyout clause set at 400m Euros.
Both clubs have announced the deal, and Coutinho went to Barcelona last night. He will attend their game against Levante today, and will have a medical on Monday.
A statement from Liverpool 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."
And 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. In the next hours we will inform you of the details of the player's arrival and presentation."
The rumours have persisted all season, after Barcelona’s failed attempt in the summer. And with Coutinho not being picked for any game so far in January, it was obvious a deal was being negotiated.
Coutinho joined Liverpool for £8.5m from Inter Milan in 2013 and has been one of the stars under Jurgen Klopp’s revival. However, a move to Barcelona was too much for him to turn down, and with a bid far exceeding what they turned down in the summer, Liverpool thought it best to cash in early, and probably invest that this transfer window.
Photo/Link Sources:
www.bbc.com
www.skysports.com
www.mirror.co.uk
www.telegraph.co.uk
www.liverpoolfc.com
www.fcbarcelona.com
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