Bundesliga
Bayern Munich have secured the services of Brazil winger Philippe Coutinho on a season-long loan from FC Barcelona, including the option to make the transfer permanent.
The 27-year-old winger will provide Niko Kovac with a further attacking outlet after the departures of Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben and James Rodriguez this summer.
"This move means a new challenge for me in a new country at one of the best clubs in Europe," Coutinho said of his signing at the record German champions. "Like Bayern, I have big aims and am convinced I can achieve these with my new team."
"I spoke to a few people about Bayern, especially Thiago because he's got a Brazilian passport and speaks Portuguese," continued Coutinho "I also spoke to Rafinha, who played here and I also heard a lot of good things from Lucio.
"Pulling on the Bayern jersey is a big responsibility. It's a club with a rich tradition and the number 10 shirt belongs to Arjen Robben, who was a huge icon in the game. It's a big responsibility. I hope I can work in peace and fulfill the expectations."
Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge was understandably delighted the transfer was finalised, telling the club's website: "We've been looking at Philippe Coutinho for some time and are very happy we've been able to complete this transfer. With Philippe, FC Bayern are gaining a player who will strengthen our attack with his creativity and excellent technique."
After coming through the Vasco de Gama youth ranks, the highly rated Coutinho was snapped up by Inter Milan as a 16-year-old, although he had to wait until turning 18 in 2010 to move to Europe. In 2013 he left for Liverpool, and his eye-catching performances on Merseyside earned him a big-money move to Barcelona in January 2018.
Coutinho has already lifted two La Liga titles, two Spanish Super Cups and one Copa del Rey with Barca, and helped Brazil triumph on home soil at this summer's Copa America.
The Brazilian - who also has Portuguese nationality through his wife - becomes Bayern's fifth summer signing, following the arrivals of Lucas Hernandez, Benjamin Pavard, Fiete Arp, Ivan Perisic.