Barcelona fans revel in arrival of record-signing Brazilian

By the time Philippe Coutinho’s record transfer was confirmed by Barcelona at 11.01pm UAE time on Saturday, the Brazilian was already en route to his new home.

Coutinho’s former Liverpool teammate, Luis Suarez, wasn’t the only person waiting for him when he arrived on a private plane from southern England.

Media and fans were also there to greet the most expensive player in Spanish football history, but while Coutinho’s family walked through arrivals at Barcelona airport clutching Barca bags, the player was nowhere to be seen and disappeared with Suarez.

Without a photograph of his arrival, the Catalan Sport mocked up image of the club’s 33rd Brazilian in a Barca shirt with the caption “Signed!”

Judging by compatriots like Rivaldo, Ronaldo, Romario, Ronaldinho and even players whose names didn’t began with ‘R’ like Neymar, he’s in solid company.

An implausible buy out fee of €400m was also included in the five-and-a-half-year contract.

The Catalan press detailed the vast fee of €120m, to be paid in instalments, plus €30m in variables and the €10m from Coutinho himself.

Columnists and pundits all agreed that he is a great signing, with Mundo

Deportivo stating that Barcelona had signed four players in one, since Coutinho could play as a No 7, 8, 10 or 11.

The Madrid-based Marca did mention the signing on the cover, but it wasn’t close to the size of a quote by Zinedine Zidane saying his side didn’t need a new goalkeeper at the moment.

An already dominant Barca strengthening won’t improve their mood.

While Coutinho’s departure has caused consternation in Merseyside, Cules – Barca fans – have been almost unanimous in welcoming his signing.

“We need a replacement for Iniesta,” Jordi Camps, a season ticket holder from just north of Barcelona, told The

National. “I’ve not actually seen that much of Coutinho since I watch Barcelona and not Liverpool, but he’s regarded as a very good player.

“He should be for the size of the transfer fee and I’m still impressed that Barcelona can pay these huge transfer fees. You have to do that to compete at the highest level, but our philosophy should be to get as many players through our Masia into the first team.

“Iniesta didn’t cost us a penny, nor did Xavi [Hernandez], [Sergio] Busquets, Sergi Roberto or Leo Messi and many more. We should also get as many Catalan players into the first team too, players that feel what this club really means, but it’s not easy.”

Jimmy Byrne, who has long held a season ticket behind the goal at Camp Nou, said: “Coutinho’s a very good player,” said “The transfer fee is crazy, but the club think they can cover it. A team like Barca should be looking to always improve and I think Coutinho will add something. He’s similar to Iniesta, who is now 33. He also helps to cover the loss of Neymar.”

Close to Camp Nou, a young fan, Jan, was walking to the game with his father, avoiding the puddles as he went.

“Coutinho has good balance and technique and he shoots well,” he said in a manner that belied his nine years.

Jan was happy, as were the fans getting the name“Coutinho” printed on their shirt in the vast, twolevel club shop in front of the main stand.