Sporting Kit

NEYMAR'S REPLACEMENT OR IN THE INIESTA ROLE? HOW WILL BARCELONA USE COUTINHO? The Blaugrana confirmed the signing of the Liverpool midfielder in a blockbuster January move - but how will he fit in at the Catalan club? Philippe Coutinho's Barcelona dream has been fulfilled.  The Liverpool star is en route to Camp Nou to complete a British-record €160 million deal  after  the two clubs confirmed a deal  following months of reports and speculation over his future. Ever since Neymar left Barca in the summer, Coutinho was the top target for the Blaugrana along with Ousmane Dembele. The latter did arrive in a deal that could rise to €150m, but the former was made to wait as Liverpool played hardball. Negotiations went to the wire on deadline day, but the Reds refused to budge. A few months on, however, talks have prospered and Coutinho will sign, although he will not be able to feature in the Champions League until next season after ...

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-ons that 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 ...