Liverpool may have missed out on bringing anyone in during the winter transfer window, but they did make a significant play with the club tying down attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho to a new long term deal.
“I’m really happy. I’ve been made to feel very welcome here ever since I first arrived at Liverpool. It’s a dream come true playing for this great club and being part of this squad. Today I’ve committed my future to the club and for this I’m feeling very pleased” said the Brazilian in an interview with the official website before going on to say that he’s been looking forward to extending his contract for quite some time. “This club is great and the fans have always supported me, so I’ve been eager to sign this new deal since conversations on my future here started. Today is a very happy day.”
The five year deal, which will keep the 22-year old at the club until 2020, is rumored to give him a healthy bump in wages to ward off interest from other clubs and keep him on par with the other stars at the club. Coutinho proved both assists in the 2-0 win over West Ham at the weekend, and though he may get a rest in tomorrow’s FA Cup replay with Bolton Wanderers, he’s sure to play a starring role when the Reds take on cross-town rivals Everton at Goodison Park at the weekend.
“I’m delighted that Philippe has committed his long-term future to us; he is clearly going to be a big part of our story in the years to come,” said Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers. “He deserves all the credit in the world for the attitude he has shown since coming to Liverpool. He arrived as a young man, in a country he’d never lived in before and joined a club where expectations are high. He has shown a willingness to listen, learn and improve.”
