Coutinho's Santos move is a 'dream' come true, says Neymar
Neymar could not wait for Santos to make things official, taking to social media to welcome close friend Philippe Coutinho to the club before the Brazilian side had formally confirmed the signing themselves.
"If this is a dream, I don't want to wake up," Neymar wrote, celebrating the arrival of a player he has known since their teenage years, with Coutinho responding in a video suggesting Neymar had played a key role behind the scenes.
The pair have shared a dressing room together for both Brazil's youth and senior national teams, and have faced one another at club level over the years, but Saturday's move marks the first time they will play together for the same side.
Coutinho, 34, is expected to sign with Santos as a free agent following his exit from Vasco da Gama, having undergone medical examinations ahead of a short term agreement that runs through to the end of the season.
Santos head coach Cuca confirmed the midfielder had already begun training with the squad, revealing Coutinho had taken part in video analysis sessions ahead of the club's Brazilian Championship fixture against Cruzeiro.
"He trained with us today and even joined our pre practice video session. He's already blending in and getting comfortable with the team. He's going to help us, and we'll help him," Cuca told TV Globo.
Coutinho has not featured competitively since February, when he departed Vasco da Gama following a difficult spell in which supporters in Rio de Janeiro grew increasingly critical of his performances on the pitch.
Brazilian media reports suggest Neymar's inner circle played a significant part in facilitating the move, with the Santos captain himself offering a warm public welcome to his long time friend once the deal appeared close to completion.
"Bro, we're so happy you're here. Our squad and our fans are going to embrace you, get ready to enjoy yourself. Welcome to Santos," Neymar wrote, addressing Coutinho directly in his post.
The signing adds Coutinho to a growing list of experienced arrivals at Santos this year, joining fellow Barcelona alumnus Arthur Melo alongside fullback Rodernei, winger Everton Cebolinha and attacking midfielder Lima in strengthening the squad.
Those moves only became possible after Santos resolved a FIFA imposed transfer ban linked to an outstanding debt of nearly 12 million reais, roughly 2.1 million dollars, owed to French club AS Monaco.
That ban was eventually lifted following financial support from NR Sports, the management company run by Neymar's family, which settled the debt in exchange for a series of agreed commercial commitments with the club.
Santos have shown genuine improvement domestically in recent months, having spent much of the season fighting against relegation before steadying their form as the campaign progressed towards its final stretch.
The club also remains involved in the Copa Sudamericana, holding a 2-0 lead over Atletico Mineiro following the first leg of their quarter final tie in that competition.
Coutinho's arrival strengthens an attacking unit already featuring Gabriel Barbosa, known as Gabigol, and Neymar himself, though the latter will be unavailable for roughly two months after recently sustaining a muscle injury.
Coutinho first returned to Brazilian football in July 2024, initially joining Vasco da Gama on loan from Aston Villa before signing a permanent one year deal with the Rio club the following year.