Philippe Coutinho joins Neymar at Santos after leaving Vasco da Gama

Santos have officially signed former Liverpool and Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho, with the Brazilian joining the club for the remainder of the current season.

The 2026 contract will keep Coutinho at Santos until the end of the year, according to the Brazilian club.

Santos announced the move on their official X account on Monday, posting: “Philippe Coutinho joins Santos.”

The club added: “Santos Futebol Clube has completed the signing of Philippe Coutinho for the remainder of the season. With recognised technical quality and vision, as well as a successful career in Europe and with the Brazil national team, the midfielder joins Peixe under a contract running until the end of 2026.”

“Welcome to the kingdom of football, Coutinho. Go and create,” the club said.

Coutinho had been a free agent since leaving Vasco da Gama in recent months and has chosen to continue his career in Brazil.

His arrival comes as Santos look to strengthen their attacking options following a recent muscular injury suffered by Neymar, who is currently with the club.

The signing will reunite Coutinho with Neymar, his long-time friend and Brazil team-mate. The pair played together for the national side over a number of years.

Coutinho brings considerable European experience to a Santos side currently struggling in the Brazilian league. He has also played for Liverpool, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Aston Villa during his career.

The midfielder began his senior career in Brazil before establishing himself in Europe, where he enjoyed a successful spell at Liverpool and later moved to Barcelona. His clubs also included Bayern Munich and Aston Villa before he returned to Brazil with Vasco da Gama.

Santos, known as Peixe, described Coutinho’s technical ability, reading of the game and experience with Brazil as key qualities behind the decision to bring him in for the remainder of the campaign.