Philippe Coutinho looks set to stay at Barcelona and play a vital role in Ronald Koeman's side, after being handed a very important new number at the Nou Camp.
The Brazilian midfielder hasn't had a great time as a Barcelona player since joining the club in January 2018 and spent the whole of last season on loan at Bayern Munich.
Advert
Bayern decided against signing Coutinho on a permanent basis but it was still thought that he would leave the Catalan giants this summer.
Now that doesn't seem to be the case with the 28-year-old handed the number 14 shirt, a number made famous at the Nou Camp by the great Johan Cruyff.
Coutinho had worn the number 10 shirt at Anfield before his move to Spain but he obviously couldn't have that number at Barcelona as it's worn by Lionel Messi.
Advert
Instead he took the 14 shirt, that Thierry Henry had also previously worn for the club. The following season he changed to take the number seven shirt, that Arda Turan had been wearing.
The former Espanyol loanee wore that until going on loan last season and on his return he found Antoine Griezmann in the shirt, meaning he's gone back to wearing 14.
It's believed that having previously been thought to be not in Barca's future plans, Coutinho is well liked by Koeman and is likely to play a major role in the squad.
Advert
Speaking recently about the upcoming season the Brazilian said, "I'm looking forward to a good time.
"I am very motivated. I want to work hard this year so that everything goes well on the pitch."
Barcelona fans will hope he can finally have a big impact at the club, and would like something better to remember him for than two goals scored against them in last season's Champions League.
Featured Image Credit: Barcelona/PATopics: Football News, Barcelona, Philippe Coutinho, Transfer rumours, Football Kit, Transfer news, Bayern Munich, La Liga, Bundesliga
