Brazil international Coutinho joins Bayern on loan

BERLIN - Bayern Munich have reinforced their midfielder after signing Barcelona's Philippe Coutinho on loan from Barcelona, both clubs confirmed on Monday.

The 27-year-old attacking midfielder has agreed on a season-long loan deal, which includes an option to make the transfer permanent.

"This transfer into a new country, at one of the best clubs in Europe represents a new challenge," Coutinho said. "I am really looking forward to this. I have big goals like Bayern and I am convinced that I can achieve these together with my new teammates."

Bayern's new arrival joined Barcelona from Liverpool in January 2018 providing overall 21 goals in 76 outings for the "Blaugrana". However, the Brazil international, who scored 15 goals in 55 caps, never meet the expectations at Barcelona that is why Bayern were able to snap up the midfielder.

"We observed Philipp Coutinho for some time now and are very happy that we were able to seal the deal now. We would like to thank Barcelona for agreeing on this transfer. Philippe will strengthen our offense with his creativity and excellent technique," Bayern's CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said.

The defending champions started with a disappointing 2-2 with Hertha Berlin draw into the Bundesliga season. Bayern Munich encounters Schalke at the 2nd round in Bundesliga on Saturday.