The Brazilian superstar and one of the best players in the world, Philippe Coutinho decided to accept Bayern Munich’s offer and move to Germany for the upcoming season. The German champions and Barcelona reached an agreement which will keep the offensive playmaker at Allianz Arena during the next 12 months.
If everything goes well between the two sides, Bayern will have an option to buy the player for €120 million. In the meantime, Bayern will pay the entire salary to Coutinho, which is €8.5 million.
The player was happy following his signature, and thinks that he would get along in Munich just fine.
“For me, this move means a new challenge in a new country with one of the best clubs in Europe,” Coutinho said. “I’m very much looking forward to that. Like FC Bayern, I have big ambitions.”
The Brazilian didn’t adjust to Barcelona quite well after his arrival from Liverpool. Back then he wanted to leave Anfield at any cost, and even publicly requested his transfer. The reason for that was his desire to win trophies, especially the Champions League. Eventually, Liverpool eliminated Barcelona on his way towards the European title.
His role in Barca was to be a backup for Lionel Messi and the rest of the guys upfront, and he didn’t fit Ernesto Valverde’s plans at all. Coutinho was a leading star while playing for Liverpool, and being in the shadow was something he isn’t accustomed to.
On the other side, Bayern wants to have a world-class playmaker who can carry the team on his shoulders. Coutinho showed in the past that he has that ability. The way he ran the midfield in Liverpool was astonishing, and if he manages to find some part of that form, Bayern will have a huge force in this guy.
The club has huge expectations from the Brazilian, and they want him to be recognized as a new leader. It is why the management insisted on him wearing the No.10.
“We wanted to show our fans how important this transfer is,” Bayern’s president Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said. “And that’s why he gets the No. 10 jersey. Salihamidzic showed him a No. 10 jersey on Wednesday.”
In 76 games played for the Catalonian giant, Coutinho netted 21 times and had 11 assists. During his stint in Catalonia, Coutinho won two La Liga titles and one Copa del Rey. He will be remembered as a failure and e player who didn’t meet the expectations. The fans were hoping to get a decent replacement for Andres Iniesta and to have some fresh blood in the lineup. Instead, Coutinho was pale, demotivated and without any noticeable productivity.
Bayern’s style of play is suitable for this player, as the Bavarians also like to attack and play to score as many goals as possible. But unlike Barcelona, they are pretty straightforward, and have more in common with Liverpool, which should suit well for the Brazilian
Coutinho now has a second chance. It is up to him to take it.
