Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho, a former Liverpool and FC Barcelona player, is about to officially join Neymars Santos for the rest of the season, head coach Cuca confirmed on Saturday.
“Today he trained with us and participated in the team chat we filmed before training. He is already integrating and adapting to the group. He will help us and we will help him,” Cuca told TV Globo before Santos met Cruzeiro in the Brazilian championship.
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Phillippe Coutinho has not played since February last year, when he ended his contract with Vasco da Gama amid strong criticism for his performances for the historic club from Rio de Janeiro.
However, Santos has not yet officially announced the former Brazil international. The club is waiting for him to complete the medical examinations, although his arrival is already considered a settled matter in the squad.
Coutinho will only sign until the end of December. According to Brazilian media, Neymar’s representatives have played a key role in the negotiations with the player.
“Brother, we are very happy to have you here. Our team and our fans will embrace you, so you can be happy. Welcome to Santos,” the number 10 wrote on social media on Saturday.
His arrival follows the signings of midfielder Arthur Melo – another former Barcelona player – full-back Rodinei, winger Everton “Cebolinha” and attacking midfielder Lima.
Pelé’s former club has managed to complete these signings after sorting out a FIFA transfer ban as a result of a debt of approximately 12 million Brazilian reais – around $2,3 million or €2 million – owed to AS Monaco.
The sanction was resolved with financial support from NR Sports, the family company that manages Neymar’s career. The firm injected the necessary funds “immediately” in exchange for a series of commercial commitments.
On the pitch, the São Paulo club is enjoying strong form after spending months fighting close to the relegation places in the Brazilian championship.
Coutinho comes in to bolster an attack with “Gabigol” and Neymar as regular starters. Recently, however, “Ney” suffered a new muscle injury and is expected to be out for about two months.
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