Five things you didn't know about Barcelona bound Philippe Coutinho

David Cooper - Writer 22:57 06/01/2018
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  • Barcelona appear to have finally succeeded in their long pursuit of Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho.

    Reports in both Spain and the UK suggest a British record fee of £142million – with £105m up front – has been agreed for the Brazil international.

    That would be a considerable increase on the £118m which the Catalan club offered and had rejected in August when they made their third unsuccessful bid of the summer.

    The 25-year-old, who has not played since the transfer window opened because of a thigh problem, did not travel with the squad for their warm weather training camp in Dubai.

    It is now claimed he is travelling to Spain on Saturday night ahead of his presentation on Sunday

    Here are five things you probably didn’t know about Coutinho.

    Futsal was his first love before football 

    Before the Brazilian stunned crowds at Anfield, he starred around the halls of Rio de Janeiro in futsal.

    With restricted space, the diminutive midfielder honed his skills, developing a firm touch and quality ball control.

    After joining a local football academy, it wasn’t long before Vasco de Gama came calling to acquire the youngster’s services – a club he would go on to spend nine years at before signing for Inter Milan.

    The tournament that put his name on the map

    It was in 2008 as a 16-year-old when Coutinho got his first chance to impress on international shores.

    Representing Brazil, he took part in the U-16 Mediterranean Cup in Spain, lining up alongside a youngster from Sao Paolo named Neymar.

    It was here where Inter Milan scouts noticed Coutinho – and he was bought for €4 million – but the move didn’t come into effect until two years later when he turned 18.

    Luis Suarez is a close friend off the pitch

    Since playing together at Liverpool during the 2013/14 season, Coutinho has maintained a solid friendship with Luis Suarez, who was his neighbour in England.

    Suarez even came out in the media during the summer to praise Coutinho when reports were widespread about the Brazilian signing for the Camp Nou outfit.

    The Uruguayan said: “I know him as a person and as a player because I played with him, but what Coutinho can contribute everyone knows.

    Cites Neymar as his inspiration

    While he cuts an imposing presence himself for club and country, Coutinho cites Neymar as his idol on the pitch.

    In a recent interview with Four Four Two, the Barcelona bound star suggested he had based his game around the PSG man: “He’s our main idol in Brazilian football and someone young children look up to.”

    The pair have played alongside each other with Brazil for nearly a decade – and between them – are the two most expensive players in the world.

    Barcelona memories

    The Brazilian knows what it’s like to play at the Camp Nou during his season on loan at Espanyol 2012.

    Coutinho came on as a second half substitute in a comprehensive 4-0 derby defeat – where Lionel Messi netted four goals in Pep Guardiola’s final derby as manager.

    Six years on, Coutinho returns to the city a different player and one that will make a difference as Ernesto Valverde’s attempt to lift the La Liga title for a third time in four seasons.

    The magician

    His remarkable talents have earned him the nickname ‘O Magico’ in Brazil.

    He may be just 5’8, but he oozes confidence around the park with his crisp passing ability and attacking flair.

    Although he was sidelined for the start of the season, the 25-year-old still managed to net 15 goals and provide eight assists in 25 matches in all competitions.

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