Philippe Coutinho’s transfer from Liverpool to Barcelona in January 2018 was one of the most talked-about deals in football. The Brazilian playmaker had established himself as one of the finest talents in the Premier League, and his move to the Catalan giants was eagerly anticipated.
But just how much did Coutinho go to Barcelona for? Let’s find out!
The Record-Breaking Transfer
Barcelona paid a whopping €120 million to secure Coutinho’s services, making him the second most expensive player in football history at that time. Only Neymar’s move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain for €222 million in 2017 surpassed it.
The Background
Coutinho joined Liverpool from Inter Milan in January 2013 for a fee reported to be around €8.5 million. Over the next five years, he blossomed into a key player for the Reds, mesmerizing fans with his dribbling skills, long-range strikes, and creative vision.
The Quest for Trophies
Barcelona had been on the lookout for a superstar signing after Neymar’s departure and identified Coutinho as the perfect candidate. The Spanish giants were eager to bolster their attacking options and provide competition for their formidable front three of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Ousmane Dembele.
The Brazilian international had expressed his desire to join Barcelona, citing their style of play and ambition as major factors. Despite Liverpool’s reluctance to sell their star player midway through the season, Barcelona persisted in their pursuit.
The Negotiations
The negotiations between Liverpool and Barcelona were protracted but eventually reached a breakthrough in early January 2018. The deal involved an initial fee of €120 million with potentially another €40 million in add-ons, making it a potential overall fee of €160 million.
Contract and Release Clause
Coutinho signed a five-and-a-half-year contract with Barcelona, which included a release clause set at an eye-watering €400 million. This clause effectively served as a deterrent for potential suitors and demonstrated Barcelona’s intent to keep hold of their prized asset.
The Impact
Coutinho’s arrival at Barcelona was met with great enthusiasm from both fans and players alike. He made an immediate impact, scoring some crucial goals and providing assists. However, his time at the Camp Nou was not as successful as anticipated, and he struggled to consistently reproduce his outstanding performances from his time at Liverpool.
In the summer of 2019, Coutinho was loaned out to Bayern Munich, where he enjoyed a successful season. The German giants eventually decided to exercise their option to buy him permanently for €120 million.
A Mixed Legacy
Coutinho’s transfer to Barcelona will be remembered as one of the most expensive deals in football history. Although he did not achieve the same level of success at Barcelona as his predecessors or live up to the lofty expectations, his talent and moments of brilliance will not be forgotten by both Liverpool and Barcelona fans.
- Total Transfer Fee: €120 million (potentially rising to €160 million)
- Liverpool Career: January 2013 – January 2018
- Barcelona Career: January 2018 – present
- Bayern Munich Loan: August 2019 – August 2020
- Bayern Munich Permanent Transfer Fee: €120 million
In conclusion, Coutinho’s transfer to Barcelona for €120 million cemented his status as one of the most expensive players in football history. While his time at Barcelona may not have lived up to expectations, his talent and impact cannot be denied.