Coutinho trains with Santos as transfer awaits only medical clearance
Former Liverpool and Barcelona playmaker Philippe Coutinho has already joined Santos training, with his move until December now pending only the completion of a medical. Head coach Cuca confirmed the Brazilian took part in the session and the pre-training video chat, while Neymar welcomed him publicly. The club strengthens its attack as the number 10 recovers from a muscle injury.
ByInfoBlaugrana
5 min read
Philippe Coutinho is on the verge of becoming a Santos player. The Brazilian playmaker, formerly of Liverpool and Barcelona, trained with the squad on Saturday and his contract until the end of the season now depends only on the completion of a medical check. Head coach Cuca confirmed his presence in the session and made it clear the dressing room already considers him one of their own.
- Coutinho trained with Santos and took part in the pre-training video chat.
- The deal runs until December 2026 and only the medical is left before an official announcement.
- Cuca confirmed the player is integrating well and said the club will help him.
- Neymar welcomed him on social media and highlighted the fans' affection.
- Santos has already signed Arthur Melo, Rodinei, Everton Cebolinha and Lima in this window.
Coutinho returns to Brazil after leaving Vasco da Gama
The 34-year-old attacker has not played an official match since February, when he terminated his contract with Vasco da Gama amid heavy criticism over his performances at the Rio de Janeiro club. That spell left a sour taste for a player who shone in Europe and is now looking to rediscover his best form at the club where Neymar is the main reference.
His arrival at Santos opens a new chapter in a career that includes titles and memorable nights at Anfield and Camp Nou. At the São Paulo club he will have the chance to compete regularly in the Brazilian league and bring experience to a squad fighting to move clear of the lower reaches of the table.
Cuca confirms his integration and Neymar opens the dressing room door
The Santos coach spoke naturally about Coutinho's presence at the training ground. He explained that the player is already working with the group and took part in the video chat they recorded before the session. "He is already integrating and adapting to the group. He is going to help us and we are going to help him," Cuca said ahead of the match against Cruzeiro.
Neymar also spoke out on social media. The number 10 posted a welcome message in which he said both the squad and the fans will embrace Coutinho so he can be happy at the club. The gesture reinforces the sense of a united dressing room and a project looking to regain prominence in Brazilian football.
An ambitious market after lifting the FIFA ban
Santos has been able to complete these signings after settling a debt of around 12 million reais owed to AS Monaco, which had led to a FIFA ban on registering players. The payment was made with the financial backing of NR Sports, the family company that manages Neymar's career, which injected the necessary resources in exchange for a series of commercial commitments.
That injection allowed Pelé's club to move decisively in the market. In addition to Coutinho, the club has brought in midfielder Arthur Melo, also a former Barça player, full-back Rodinei, winger Everton Cebolinha and playmaker Lima. They are significant additions for a squad that wants to leave behind months of suffering near the bottom of the standings.
What Coutinho brings to Cuca's attack
Santos is enjoying a good run of form after flirting with the relegation places for months. Coutinho's arrival strengthens an attacking line in which Gabigol and Neymar are fixed starters. His ability to play between the lines, his final pass and his shooting from distance offer alternatives to a team that needs to threaten from different areas.
Neymar's absence, caused by a new muscle injury that will keep him out for around two months, makes the signing an immediate necessity. Coutinho can take on part of the creative responsibility while the number 10 is sidelined and raise the quality of the attacking third.
The role of Neymar's inner circle in the negotiations
According to the Brazilian press, Neymar's staff played a key role in the conversations with Coutinho. The connection between both sides made the approach easier and helped close a deal that looked complicated given the player's contractual situation after leaving Vasco da Gama as a free agent.
NR Sports' support goes beyond the financial side. The family company has accompanied the rebuild of the sporting project and has been crucial in allowing Santos to compete in the market with real arguments. Coutinho's arrival is the latest sign of that commitment.
Frequently asked questions about Coutinho's move to Santos
Frequently asked questions
When will Coutinho's move to Santos be made official?
The announcement is pending completion of Coutinho's medical. Head coach Cuca has already confirmed the player is training with the group and that the dressing room considers the deal done, so the official confirmation should come in the next few days.
How long is Coutinho's contract with Santos?
Coutinho will sign a contract until December 2026. He arrives as a free agent after terminating his deal with Vasco da Gama in February, so Santos will not have to pay a transfer fee for him.
Why can Santos sign Coutinho and other players now?
The club lifted the FIFA ban that prevented it from registering players after paying a debt of around 12 million reais to AS Monaco. The payment was completed with financial backing from NR Sports, the family company that manages Neymar's career.