Philippe Coutinho completes loan move to Bayern Munich
Former Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho's Barcelona spell came to an end. The Brazilian superstar has made a move to German champions Bayern Munich on loan. The one-year loan deal is worth 8.5 million euros ($9.5 million) with an option to buy. This was confirmed by the Spanish club on Monday. Here are further details on the same.
👍 @Phil_Coutinho is a Red 🔴⚪#ServusCoutinho
— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) August 19, 2019
👕 https://t.co/xcgVT3YVW5 pic.twitter.com/N6Oh1cpSlj
Barcelona have stated that the German side will pay can buy the Brazilian after his loan spell for 120m euros (£109.84 mn). Bundesliga champions Bayern will also pay Coutinho's wages for the duration of the loan spell. The versatile player had joined Barcelona from Liverpool in a £142 mn deal in January 2018. However, he couldn't quite please the club with his performances.
"For me, this change represents a new challenge in a new country at one of the best in Europe. I am really looking forward to this. I have big goals, like Bayern, and I'm sure I can do it with my new team-mates," said Coutinho.
Bayern chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge thanked Barcelona and expressed his happiness. "We have been working with Philippe Coutinho for some time and are very happy that we were able to realize this transfer now. Our thanks to FC Barcelona for agreeing to this transfer. In Philippe, a player comes to FC Bayern who will strengthen our offensive with his creativity and excellent technique."
Despite scoring 21 goals in 76 appearances for the Catalan giants, Coutinho didn't fulfill the expectations. He had been linked with several clubs this summer and was even tipped to make a move to the Premier League and to Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1. Coutinho will want to make his presence felt for Bayern. It's a good move for the German club.
Coutinho was a real star for Liverpool. He had scored 54 goals in 201 games for the Reds. Coutinho wanted to win the Champions League with Barcelona but things didn't work out. Barca lost patience in Coutinho and decided to get rid of him. It's another bizarre transfer policy from Barca, who earlier let Malcom leave after just one season.
