Philippe Coutinho joins likes of Ronaldinho in long list of Barcelona's brilliant Brazilians

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 £142 million – with £105 m up front – has been agreed for the Brazil international.

That would be a considerable increase on the £118 m 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.

He’ll join a host of Brazilian legends to have sported the Blaugrana jersey over the years.

Here’s a look at ten of the best.

RONALDINHO (2003-2008)

Ronaldinho joined Barcelona in 2003 after the club finished sixth in La Liga – and just nine points from the bottom half of the table.

But, the Brazilian ace transformed the side with his sparkling skills, guiding Barcelona to two La Liga titles and one Champions League triumph.

He was also crowned Ballon d’Or winner in 2005.

He moved to Milan in 2008 after scoring 70 games in 145 games for the Catalan giants.

Ronaldinho

Ronaldinho

RONALDO (1996-1997)

At his peak he was close to unstoppable.

The ace marksman moved to Barcelona in 1996 from PSV – for a then world-record transfer fee of £19.5 million.

During his sole season in Catalonia, he netted 47 goals in 49 appearances in all competitions to win both the La Liga top scorer and European Golden Shoe awards.

At the end of 1996, he became the youngest player to win the FIFA World Player of the Year award.

Ronaldo

Ronaldo

ROMARIO (1993-1995)

Romario was a mainstay in Johan Cruyff’s ‘Dream Team’, which featured legends such as Pep Guardiola, Michael Laudrup and Ronald Koeman.

During their La Liga triumph in 1993-1994, Romario finished as top scorer with 30 goals in 33 games.

He was named FIFA World Player of the Year in 1994.

Romario

Romario

NEYMAR (2013-2017)

Another player that needs no introduction.

The Brazilian was a vital cog in the lethal MSN front three alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez as the trio dominated Spanish football.

He recently signed a long-term contract at PSG – after the French giants met his mega release clause of €222 million.

Neymar

Neymar

DANI ALVES (2008-2016)

The full-back was a talismanic presence during his eight seasons at Barcelona, winning six La Liga titles and two Champions League crowns.

Such was his dominance as a defender, he was included in the FIFPRO World XI on six occasions.

At the time of his departure to PSG, he was second on Barca’s all-time appearance list behind Lionel Messi with 414 outings.

Dani Alves

Dani Alves

RIVALDO (1997-2002)

Finished his first two seasons at the club as second-highest goal scorer as Barcelona clinched back-to-back La Liga titles.

Rivaldo scored a sensational 136 goals in 253 appearances during his five seasons at the Blaugrana.

He was rewarded for his clinical finishing with the Ballon d’Or in 1999.

Rivaldo

Rivaldo

SYLVINHO (2004-2009)

Signed from Celta Vigo in 2004 and went on to win three La Liga titles, as well as two Champions Leagues in 2006 and 2009.

He played the full match in Barcelona’s 2-0 win over Manchester United in the 2009 Champions League final, ahead of the suspended Eric Abidal.

Sylvinho

Sylvinho

EDMILSON (2004-2008)

Played a key role during the 2005-2006 season under Frank Rijkaard, winning La Liga and Champions League trophies.

After a poor final season at the club, Edmilson’s contract was not renewed and he signed for Villarreal.

Edmilson

Edmilson

MAXWELL (2009-2012)

The Brazilian moved from Inter on a five-year deal in 2009 – and played an integral role in the club’s league triumph when Abidal was injured.

He struggled to establish himself as a first-team player and left for PSG after three seasons, winning nine pieces of silverware.

Maxwell

Maxwell

THIAGO MOTTA (2001-2007)

Signed for Barcelona as a 17-year-old and played six seasons at the club.

Despite winning two La Liga titles and a Champions League, Motta was curtailed by injuries during a large part of his time at the club.

He left for PSG in 2007  – where he continues to line out as a solid midfielder – at the tender age of 34.

Thiago Motta

Thiago Motta

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