FC Barcelona News: 9 January 2018; Philippe Coutinho Presented, Samuel Umtiti Back in Training

First touches on the pitch at Camp Nou | FC Barcelona
Philippe Coutinho has been officially presented as a new player of FC Barcelona. The Brazilian stepped onto the Camp Nou pitch dressed in Blaugrana and in front of 7,436 expectant fans who were there to welcome him. Up to 73 media organisations also witnessed the official presentation of Barça’s new midfielder.

Coutinho will become the 8th player to play for both Barça and Liverpool | FC Barcelona
Philippe Coutinho isn’t just the 33rd Brazilian player in Barça history. After making the move from Anfield to Camp Nou — it was announced on Saturday but his official signing and presentation didn’t take place until Monday — Coutinho is set to become just the latest player to appear for both Liverpool and FC Barcelona.

Coutinho: I can’t wait to get started | FC Barcelona
Phillipe Coutinho is now officially an FC Barcelona player. The Brazilian signed on the dotted line during his official presentation on a busy Monday in the city of Barcelona. The day began with a medical at Barcelona Hospital and at the Club’s Medical Centre and then followed the signing of the contract and his first appearance on the field at Camp Nou in a Barça shirt.

When Coutinho last faced Barça | FC Barcelona
Philippe Coutinho is now officially a Barça player, although there have been times in the past when he’s lined up for the opposing team. Back in 2012, when he was at Espanyol, he featured in a 4-0 defeat at the Camp Nou and he also played in a friendly for Brazil against Barça B at the Ciutat Esportiva.

Barcelona VP says Liverpool lowered their price on Philippe Coutinho | ESPN
Barcelona vice-president Jordi Mestre says his club were able to sign Philippe Coutinho this month because Liverpool finally lowered their demands. The transfer fee is the second-highest ever, with ESPN FC sources and multiple reports saying it will reach £142 million (€160m), with Liverpool receiving £105m (€120m) up front and the rest in performance-related add-ons.

Samuel Umtiti trains with the group for part of Tuesday’s workout | FC Barcelona
New signing Philippe Coutinho was on hand at Barça’s first training session of the week on Tuesday morning, when he had the chance to meet his new teammates before beginning with his recovery from a thigh injury that will keep him from making his Barça debut for around 20 days.

Jordi Alba and Messi, a lethal connection | FC Barcelona
The connection between Jordi Alba and Leo Messi remains one of the most effective in the world. Last Sunday, during FC Barcelona’s win against Levante (3-0), the Argentinian opened the scoring thanks to good combination play with the left-back. Alba received a pass from Messi before heading it back to the No.10 to finish with a low shot.

Which La Liga players could be available for Premier League clubs? Arda Turan, Kevin Gameiro, Willian Jose and more | Sky Sports
People have been critical of their transfer policy in recent seasons. There was a failure in the summer to actually get players out of the club, and the obvious players to sell are Arda Turan and Andre Gomes. They couldn’t sell Turan in the summer, and he’s still at the club not playing much, while the move just hasn’t worked out for Gomes. Two talented footballers, but they just haven’t fitted with the club.

Source: Bostjan Cernensek http://bit.ly/2Fhz60p