This archive report was first published on 19 August 2019.
Bayern Munich has strengthened its attack with the arrival of Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho on a one-year loan from Barcelona, worth 8.5 million euros ($9.5 million) with an option to buy for 120 million euros.
The 27-year-old international joined Barcelona from Liverpool in January 2018 for an initial 120 million euros, but his stint at the Camp Nou never lived up to expectations.
Initially tried in midfield, Coutinho was later pushed into the front three by Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde, but the switch failed to yield the desired results.
"For me, this move means a new challenge in a new country with one of the best clubs in Europe," Coutinho said on Bayern's website.
"I'm very much looking forward to that. Like FC Bayern, I have big ambitions and I'm convinced that I can achieve them together with my new teammates," he added.
Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge welcomed Coutinho's arrival, saying: "With his creativity and outstanding skills, Philippe is a player who will immediately strengthen our attack."
