This archive report was first published on 19 August 2019.
Bayern Munich has completed the loan signing of Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho for £7.7 million, beating Manchester United to the deal.
The transfer was made possible by Bayern's good relationship with Barcelona, which does not exist with Premier League clubs.
Bayern Munich chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge explained how his 'very good and friendly relationship' with Barcelona President Josep Bartomeu helped secure the deal.
'My thanks go especially to Barcelona President Josep Bartomeu, with whom I have a very good and friendly relationship,' Rummenigge said.
Barcelona's relationship with Bayern Munich was key in securing the transfer of Philippe Coutinho, who was also being pursued by Manchester United and Arsenal.
However, Coutinho's agent Kia Joorabchian made it clear that his client would not sign for any English team other than Liverpool.
'I would be very difficult for Philippe to play for any of Liverpool's rivals, because he has such a great affinity towards Liverpool,' Joorabchian told talkSPORT.
Bayern Munich completed the loan signing of Coutinho on Monday, bringing in the midfielder for the season.
