There were emotional scenes at Santos’ training ground as Philippe Coutinho arrived to sign for the Brasileiro side.
The former Liverpool and Barcelona attacker last played for rivals Vasco da Gama in February before becoming a free agent.
Coutinho is yet to be officially announced, but he was present for Santos‘ 3-1 win over Palmeiras and shared a moment with Neymar on the club’s social media channels.
Neymar’s heart-warming reaction to Coutinho
“My God, if this is a dream, I don’t want to wake up,” said Neymar.
“He [Neymar] came to pick me up, didn’t he?” Coutinho replied.
Neymar finished: “I came to hug you and take care of you. Hey, Gabi [Gabigol], are you happy or what?”
The pair have played together since they were children for Brazil’s under-16s, but this is their first time together at a club.
Neymar left Barcelona for PSG for what is still a world record €222million, and Barca used the money for a €127m move for Coutinho from Liverpool.
Despite two LaLigas and a Champions League on loan at Bayern Munich, Coutinho’s talent faded after leaving Liverpool, but he still represents a coup for Santos.
The good news doesn’t stop there for Santos, with Coutinho their fifth signing of the window.
Neymar puts Santos in prime position
The deal comes after Neymar’s family company gave his boyhood side a cash injection which allowed them to overcome financial fair play concerns.
Former Barcelona and Juventus man Arthur has also joined, as had ex-Benfica man Everton Soares.
Arthur has already debuted, but Coutinho is a way off, as coach Cuca explained.
“He already participated in the video meetings I hold showing highlights from the last game and training sessions with the squad,” he said.
“He’s in great shape, happy, and super motivated. We’ll be able to be helped by him and help him too. He’s a great player and very useful in football.
“There will be a break (international break) and we will be able to work properly with all the players.
“Evaluations and tests are done to determine when they will be able to play.
“We are proceeding gradually with the players who have just arrived, and it will be the same with him. There is still a long way to go, and he will play, without a doubt.”
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