I've got him a house!
The Daily Mail had
exclusive access to Coutinho in the days before he flew to Barcelona to join the Catalans.
Their Head of Sport Lee Clayton flew with the midfielder to Spain.
He describes how the Barca players were influential in making this happen.
The president of Barcelona, Josep Maria Bartomeu, asked one of his senior players which hotel Philippe might prefer during his settling-in period. 'No, presidente, there is no need for a hotel. I already have a house for him...'
The beautiful residence is in the Bellemar neighbourhood of Castelldefels, a beach town along the coast from Barcelona, with four miles of sand and set back in the hills overlooking the coast. The player who signed for the house is Luis Suarez.
Lionel Messi is another in the neighbourhood. When asked recently if Messi was a good neighbour, Suarez said: 'Well, he has great security, which helps us all.'
Coutinho explains: 'He saw that a house next to his became available. He didn't know I was coming for certain but he liked the idea. It's a kind gesture. We've seen the pictures, the views look amazing. We are in touch all the time and I look forward to seeing the property with my family. I know Luis will help us to feel at home.'