Barcelona news LIVE updates: Coutinho’s Liverpool message, Griezmann update, next signing

Barcelona news LIVE updates: Follow here for the latest from the Nou Camp

Tuesday 9 January

Coutinho’s message

08.00: Philippe Coutinho has penned an emotional message to Liverpool fans.

Coutinho completed his dream move to Barcelona yesterday but he still has plenty of love for Liverpool.

“Since the moment I arrived in Liverpool, me and my family have been made to feel so welcome and have made so many friends,” said Coutinho, in a message posted on his Instagram.

“On the pitch and off the pitch, we have experienced the beauty of this club and its fans. In turn, I hope I have delivered memories and moments that have brought happiness to the Liverpool supporters.

“Moving to Liverpool, I knew the club’s greatness and history but what I did learn during my time was the unique heart and soul of the place. It has its own personality and character.

“I leave Liverpool because Barcelona is a dream for me. Liverpool was a dream that I was fortunate enough to realise and I have given five years of my life to it.”

Griezmann update

07.45: Barcelona want Antoine Griezmann and are optimistic about signing the Atletico Madrid star, according to Sky Sports’ Guillem Balague.

The Catalan giants have recently splurged £142m on Philippe Coutinho but Balague says they remain confident of beating the likes of United and Real Madrid to Griezmann.

“The Barcelona squad will be recycled in the summer, around a third of the team, but Valverde is very much enjoying working with the squad he has,” he said.

“They’re very optimistic at the club that they will add Antoine Griezmann’s signature in the summer, though Manchester United may have something to say about that.”

On to the next one…

07.30: Barcelona are closing in on their next January signing.

The Philippe Coutinho deal was wrapped up yesterday and he has been unveiled at the Nou Camp.

But Ernesto Valverde is still doing work to his squad and is expected to complete the signing of Yerry Mina in the coming days.

Barcelona have spent £142m on Coutinho despite him being cup tied for the Champions League.

But central defender Mina will come in with Javier Mascherano on his way out.