Philippe Coutinho has not kicked a ball competitively since February, yet his name still stops Liverpool supporters in their tracks whenever it appears in a transfer headline.
The Brazilian spent five years at Anfield, wearing the number 10 shirt with a flair that made him one of the most popular players of the Brendan Rodgers and early Jurgen Klopp eras.
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Reds fans remember the debut off the bench against West Brom in January 2013, and the mazy solo goal that sank Manchester United in a Europa League tie at Old Trafford in March 2016, still rated by many supporters as his finest strike for the club.
He scored 54 goals in 201 appearances across all competitions during his Anfield spell.
Even after leaving for Barcelona in January 2018, Coutinho has remained a point of connection for Liverpool supporters, who have followed his career through loan spells, a permanent return to the Premier League with Aston Villa, and a homecoming to Brazilian football with Vasco da Gama.
His story since leaving Merseyside has been one of flashes of his old quality mixed with long spells out of form and out of favour.
That interest explains why any update on his career, even years after his last Anfield appearance, still resonates with the fanbase that once sang his name every week.
According to Somos Fanaticos, Coutinho is now closing in on a move to Santos, with a medical set to take place before he signs.
Journalist Lucas Musetti reported on his YouTube channel that talks advanced significantly on Wednesday, shortly after Santos beat Atletico Mineiro 2-0 in the first leg of their Copa Sudamericana quarter-final.
“The negotiation evolved,” Musetti said. “He should be signed on this short-term deal until the end of the year. It will take him time to get up to speed, but the other new arrivals will be better adapted.”
Santos want the medical completed before finalising terms, given Coutinho has not played since February.
If the results are satisfactory, he will officially join the club, though he is expected to need time to reach full fitness.
Coutinho left Vasco da Gama in February at his own request, citing exhaustion and mental health concerns after mounting pressure and criticism from supporters.
He made 63 appearances for the Rio de Janeiro club, scoring 14 goals and providing six assists.
Neymar publicly supported him at the time of his exit, writing on social media: “Head up, my brother, I’m always with you.”
Now Philippe Coutinho could line up alongside Neymar at Santos, teammates he knows well from their time together in the Brazil national team.
He is expected to feature once he reaches the physical condition Santos are looking for.
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