Football
Glenn Price, Liverpool correspondent 7y

Philippe Coutinho signs new long-term Liverpool contract

Philippe Coutinho has signed a new long-term contract at Liverpool, the club have confirmed.

The Reds have tied down one of their best players for the foreseeable future and have rewarded the Brazilian for his excellent form in recent seasons.

Coutinho has been linked with a move to Barcelona in the past few months but Liverpool are determined to do everything they can to ensure his future remains at Anfield.

Coutinho's new contract is a five-year deal -- that lasts until 2022 -- and does not include a release clause, a source told ESPN FC.

The source added that Coutinho will now become the Reds' highest-paid player, with his weekly wage in the region of £150,000.

The 24-year-old has scored six goals for Jurgen Klopp's side this season and is now fit after recovering from ankle ligament damage.

Coutinho told the club's official website: "I would like to thank everybody at the club, first of all.

"I am very happy to sign a new contract here. It is a club that I am very grateful to and this shows my happiness here. I will work much harder to repay the belief shown in me.

"I signed this new contract to stay here for a few more years because it's a great honour for me. It gives me great happiness because I was welcomed here with open arms by everyone at the club and the supporters right from my first day. I am very thankful to this football club for everything."

In November, Klopp spoke about how he is confident he can keep Coutinho and his other best players at the club.

Speaking after the Brazilian committed himself to the Merseyside club, Klopp said: "This is wonderful news and I know everyone associated with LFC will be delighted when hearing this today.

"I think everyone knows what a great footballer Phil is, that is not in question -- but not everyone sees what an incredibly positive character he is and what a big influence he is on the dressing room.

"I knew of Phil before I came to Liverpool and I was well aware of what a talent he was, but since arriving here I have not only witnessed his ability up close, but also his ever-continuing development. He is truly world-class -- in that very top bracket.

"The fact he wants to stay here and be part of what we are looking to build and develop shows his personal commitment is to make himself better and be an integral part of something that is very special.

"We have total belief in our project, but when a player of Phil's calibre and status commits for this length of time it shows that our faith is shared throughout the game. He knows he can fulfil his dreams and ambitions here at Liverpool. This is a big statement.

"I look forward to seeing Phil create many more great memories and moments for this club."

Coutinho signed for Liverpool from Inter Milan in 2013 and has since scored 26 goals in 122 Premier League appearances.

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