The former Liverpool and Barcelona midfielder has signed with Santos for the rest of the season, marking the first time he and Neymar will play together at club level.
Philippe Coutinho has joined Brazilian club Santos for the remainder of the season, completing a move that reunites him with former Brazil teammate Neymar.
Santos confirmed the signing after Coutinho completed medical examinations and physical tests. The 34-year-old has agreed a short-term deal running until the beginning of December.
The move brings together two of Brazil’s most recognizable players. Although Coutinho and Neymar have both represented Barcelona and Brazil during their careers, they have never previously played together at club level. Neymar left Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, several months before Coutinho joined the Spanish club from Liverpool in January 2018.
Neymar played a key role in Coutinho’s decision
Coutinho said Neymar was an important factor in his decision to join Santos.
According to Coutinho, Neymar contacted him after he left Vasco da Gama and continued encouraging him to return to football. After several conversations, Coutinho reconsidered his plans and decided to accept the opportunity at Santos.
The pair have played together extensively for Brazil, but this Santos spell will give them their first opportunity to share a club dressing room.
Coutinho returns to Brazilian football
Coutinho previously played for Vasco da Gama, the club where he began his career, before leaving earlier this year.
His career has also included spells with Liverpool, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Aston Villa. He enjoyed some of his most successful years in Europe with Liverpool before completing a major transfer to Barcelona in 2018.
At Santos, Coutinho now joins a squad featuring Neymar as the club looks to strengthen for the remainder of the Brazilian season.
The short-term contract gives Coutinho an opportunity to return to regular football while adding another experienced Brazilian international to the Santos squad.
Source : BBC Sport