El Periódico: Barcelona to present Coutinho on Friday
According to reports, Coutinho is set to be the third signing of the transfer window for Barcelona after Nelson Semedo and Gerard Deulofeu. Chelsea - Barcelona U - 19 live: UEFA Youth League final
Barcelona's pursuit of Philippe Coutinho has taken many turns but the most significant of turns is now being reported by Sergi López-Egea from El Periódico de Catalunya. The report suggests that negotiations have accelerated significantly in the last few hours and that Barcelona could be ready to unveil the player as their new signing on Friday.
The agreement between the clubs is said to be complete and the player's agent, Giuliano Bartolucci, has been in Barcelona to come to terms on a deal for the player. All that was missing was agreement with the Reds and provided a middle-ground could be reached between the clubs, the work done by Bartolucci ensured that the player's signature would soon follow.
Coutinho was a target for Barcelona even before Neymar left for PSG. His versatility is seen as essential for Barca to improve as he can play in the middle just like Andres Iniesta but he can also operate in an attacking trident in the left, centre and right. His technical ability is also a massive bonus. The Brazilian is said to be keen to move to Barcelona. The 25-year-old moved to Inter Milan in 2010 and played at Espanyol before moving to Merseyside.
