European giants Bayern Munich have agreed a loan move for Barcelona superstar Philippe Coutinho, the Bundesliga champions announced on Friday.
Bayern Munich have made an official statement to confirm that they have reached an agreement with Barcelona over a loan move for Philippe Coutinho. The Brazilian superstar is set to join the European giants for the rest of the season, with the Bavarians also possessing an option to buy him next summer.
From being in dreamland to that dream turning into a nightmare in no time, Philippe Coutinho has endured a roller coaster of 18 months at Barcelona. While the 27-year-old was in fine form in the first six months of his stint with the La Liga champions, the good times were soon to end.
ℹ️#FCBayern and @FCBarcelona have agreed a deal in principle for the transfer of @Phil_Coutinho on loan with an option to buy.
More to follow… pic.twitter.com/YdLNylkySD
— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) August 16, 2019
2018-19 was Coutinho’s worst season in a long time, with the Brazilian struggling to find any semblance of consistency. By the end of the campaign, the player had started a mere 22 league games for Barcelona, while in 54 appearances across all competitions, he had an unimpressive return of 11 goals and 5 assists.
As a result, despite a strong campaign at this summer’s Copa America, rumours of an impending exit from Camp Nou. While the Blaugrana understandably wanted to cash-in on him, a loan move seemed to be the best way out for Barcelona.
To that end, a number of clubs were linked with Coutinho, who reportedly rejected a British deadline day move to Tottenham as well. But, fellow European giants Bayern Munich are now set to sign the 27-year-old on a season-long loan deal from Barcelona.
The Bundesliga champions have been in the market for attacking reinforcements this summer, with Leroy Sane being their top target. But, a long-term injury to the Manchester City star has derailed their pursuit of the German winger, meaning Bayern needed to turn their attention elsewhere.
Coutinho though, will solve another issue at hand for Die Roten. In Niko Kovac’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, Thomas Muller is the only viable candidate who can be deployed as a no. 10. But, in the wake of an underwhelming 2018-19 season, Bayern need more options for the role, thus explaining the sudden interest in the Barcelona superstar.
True to nature, Bayern have concluded the deal for the 27-year-old quickly, signing him for the rest of the 2019-20 season, with the move subject to completion following a medical, which should take place by the end of the week. The Bavarians also reserve the option to buy Coutinho from Barcelona on a permanent deal next summer.
Kovac expressed his happiness at having signed the player, claiming, “In my opinion, not only FC Bayern Munich, but also the entire Bundesliga and the whole of Germany can be delighted to be welcoming such a big-name player to our league.”
After reportedly rebuffing the idea of parting ways with Coutinho this summer, Barcelona finally have their hands off Philippe Coutinho. It now remains to be seen if the Brazilian superstar can resurrect a stuttering club career at Bayern Munich.
