Liverpool confirm Coutinho capture

By ESPN staff

Liverpool have completed the signing of Philippe Coutinho from Inter Milan in a deal thought to be worth £8.5 million.

Coutinho, 20, joins Daniel Sturridge as the Reds’ second signing of the January transfer window, and arrives at Anfield with a reputation as an excellent prospect, albeit one who has struggled for game time under Andrea Stramaccioni this season.
The Brazil midfielder expressed his delight after putting pen to paper on the deal, telling Liverpool's official website: "I'm feeling very happy, it's a very important step in my career and I'm expecting to come here and play good football to give my contribution on the pitch.
"Liverpool is a great club with great players. We've always heard about Liverpool's history in Brazil. They are the club that have been interested in me and that have showed this interest so I know they believe in me and my football."
Coutinho began his career in his native Brazil with Vasco de Gama before moving to Inter in 2010. He was sent out on loan to Espanyol last year and struggled for regular football with the Nerazzurri.
Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre added: "We're always delighted when we get the players we go after. It has been a successful transfer window for us, coming off the back of acquiring Daniel Sturridge from Chelsea and now Philippe from Inter Milan.  I think that bodes well for us for the rest of the season and the future."
Coutinho will become the fifth Brazilian to represent Liverpool after Fabio Aurelio, Diego Cavalieri, Doni and Lucas Leiva.