MUNICH: Bayern Munich agreed to sign Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho on loan from Barcelona on Friday.

“I can confirm that (club chairman) Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and I were in Barcelona this week and have reached a consensus with FC Barcelona, the player and the agent. We had very good talks and I also want to thank FC Barcelona,” Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic told broadcaster ZDF.

“Of course there are still a few details to be cleared, the medical and the signature, but we’re very happy that we can bring this player to Bayern,” said Salihamidzic, who refused to be drawn on the financial details of the deal.

Barcelona’s director of institutional relations, Guillermo Amor, earlier said there was “an initial agreement” for the transfer, but it hadn’t been finalised yet.

Amor was speaking before Barcelona lost to Bilbao, while Salihamidzic gave his comments after Bayern were held to 2-2 at home by Hertha Berlin in their league opener.

The 27-year-old Coutinho was not included in Barcelona’s squad.

Published in Dawn, August 18th, 2019