Philippe Coutinho has joined Santos and the former Liverpool star has been reunited with his close friend Neymar, who was quick to react to the signing
Brazil icon Neymar has compared Philippe Coutinho’s arrival at Santos to a ‘dream’ after the former Liverpool star joined the club. The international team-mates link up in Sao Paolo after the ex-Barcelona ace penned a deal keeping him at the outfit until the end of 2026.
It represents the first occasion the pair have featured together at club level. Coutinho had been clubless for seven months after departing boyhood side Vasco da Gama in February and is now primed to reunite with close pal Neymar, who rejoined Santos in 2025, 12 years after leaving for Barcelona.
Neymar was swift to react when Coutinho voiced his joy at joining the side. “Looking forward to this new challenge and happy to be here @santosfc,” posted the 34-year-old former Red on Instagram.
Neymar replied: “Let’s goooo … too happy to see you in the fish robe.”
Santos shared a snap of the duo as youngsters, with Coutinho sporting a rather different hairstyle. The Santos stars also struck a pose for a new photo, recreating their teenage stance in the gym.
The Brazilian outfit also uploaded footage of Coutinho entering the changing room. Neymar was swift to embrace his mate before declaring, “If it’s a dream, I don’t want to wake up”.
Announcing Coutinho’s arrival, Santos said: “Santos Football Club have signed Philippe Coutinho for the rest of the season. With recognised technical quality and game vision, in addition to a winning career in Europe and in the Brazilian national team, the half reaches Fish with a contract valid until the end of 2026.”
Coutinho had a brilliant stint at Anfield following his arrival at the club in 2013. He proved a key player as he netted 54 goals in 201 appearances for the Reds before making the switch to Barcelona for £142million in 2018.
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The playmaker failed to replicate the same form after the transfer and had stints at Bayern Munich, Aston Villa and Al Duhail before reuniting with Vasco Da Gama for a second spell in 2024.
The experienced midfielder left the club earlier this year after confessing he was mentally exhausted. “I would never disrespect the fans, my team-mates and Vasco. I’ve never done that anywhere I’ve been. Those who know me know that,” he said.
“At that moment, on the way to the locker room, I felt and realised that my cycle at the club had ended, and I didn’t come back to prioritise my mental health.
“It hurts a lot. The truth is that I’m very tired mentally. With a tight heart, I understand that now is the time to take a step back and end this cycle in Vasco.
“I’m grateful for everything I’ve lived here. I’ll take Vasco with me forever. In the chest. In history. In life.”