Coutinho Completes Loan Move To Bayern Munich
Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho has finally completed his loan move to German giants Bayern Munich and will don the number 10 shirt, formerly worn by departed Arjen Robben.
The former Liverpool winger has joined the Bavarians on a season-long loan for the 2019/20 season, with Bayern having the option to a permanent deal of €120 million.
Since joining Barcelona in 2018, Coutinho, known for his exploits in the Premier League has failed to glitter in the Spanish LaLiga as that generated fans discontent over his performances for the LaLiga champions.
The 27-year-old failing to impress at the Camp Nou warmed the bench of the Catalans for periods after he became out of favour in coach Ernesto Valverde’s starting line-up.
And having reported as part of a player plus cash deal to finance the acquisition of his Brazilian folk Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain, Coutinho has now joined Bayern Munich, who look to replace him with their departed veterans, Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery.
Confirming the loan move, Bayern Munich sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic disclosed newly recruit Coutinho was eager to arrive at the Allianz Arena.
"Philippe made it very clear to us during the negotiations in Barcelona that he absolutely wanted to move to Bayern," Salihamidzic said.
"He's a world-class player with great ability, who we can deploy in a number of positions in our forward line, so the Bayern squad has gained even more quality.
"Philippe Coutinho will help us achieve the ambitious targets we've set for this season."
Following Salihamidzic’s revelation of the player expressing firm interest in joining the side, club CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge also added.
“We’ve been working on bringing in Philippe Coutinho for quite some time and we’re very happy that we’ve been able to complete this transfer.
“Our thanks go to FC Barcelona for agreeing to the transfer. With his creativity and outstanding skills, Philippe is a player who will immediately strengthen our attack.”
In a torrid spell with Barcelona, Coutinho’s thirty-four LaLiga appearances last season recorded just 5 goals with two assists.