LIVERPOOL CONFIRM RECORD €160M SALE OF COUTINHO TO BARCELONA

The Brazil international ends five years on Merseyside as he prepares to undergo a medical and complete his switch to Camp Nou

Liverpool have confirmed their agreement of a British-record €160 million with Barcelona for the transfer of Philippe Coutinho as the player travels to Spain to complete the formalities of his move.

La Liga’s leaders will part with €120m as a guaranteed base fee, with another €40m in performance and appearance-related add-onsthat are expected to be triggered.

100 per cent certain his future – and that of his family – belongs at Barcelona. It is his dream and I am now convinced there is nothing left at our disposal to change his mind.

“Philippe has made a fantastic contribution to this club over his five years of service and as disappointed as we are he doesn’t want to extend that, the relationship we have for him means with a heavy heart we wish him well.

“The player remained dedicated and committed to helping us win matches, producing good performances and training hard each day at Melwood after the summer window had closed, despite failing to convince us to allow him to leave during that period and that level of professionalism reflects positively on him."

The Brazilian made 201 appearances and scored 54 goals for Liverpool after signing in January 2013 from Inter Milan for just £8.5m.

He will become the third most expensive footballer in the world, behind Paris Saint-Germain pair Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.