Brazilian signs on at Anfield.
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Liverpool have confirmed the signing of Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho from Inter Milan in an £8.5million deal.
Liverpool’s chase of the 20-year-old Brazilian international concluded on Wednesday when he agreed personal terms and passed a medical on Merseyside after signing a “long-term” deal with the club.
Southampton had been interested in the midfielder, who spent last season on loan at Espanyol in Spain, but Coutinho turned down a move to St Mary’s. He was content to fight for his place at Inter Milan if a move to Liverpool did not come off.
But Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers upped his initial £6.5million offer for the youngster and a transfer was agreed on Monday, prior to Coutinho putting pen to paper officially on the deal 48 hours later after being granted a work permit.
“I’m feeling very happy, it’s a very important step in my career,” Coutinho told Liverpool’s official website. “Liverpool is a great club with great players. We’ve always heard about Liverpool’s history in Brazil. I know they believe in me and my football.”