After numerous failed attempts to become a Barcelona player, the big move finally happened for Liverpool’s “little magician”, Philippe Coutinho.
The 25-year old Brazilian signed a five-and-half-year contract worth a whopping £142 million. The deal was officially confirmed on Monday with the playmaker being unveiled to fans at the Nou Camp. It is believed that Coutinho committed £11.5 million of his own money to help facilitate the deal…that’s so nice of him!
Barcelona said the midfielder is likely to be out for about three weeks, meaning the earliest he could realistically make his debut is the Catalan derby against Espanyol on 4 February.
Good business for Barcelona as they sold Neymar for about £196 million, and with that money bought Coutinho, who is a phenomenal player and the deal leaves them with millions left over.
I cannot help but wonder how the heck small clubs are going to compete with these giants. How will they afford to buy any decent player with transfer fees of this magnitude ??
Almost impossible…
This story is from the Wednesday, January 10, 2018 newsletter.
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