Philippe Coutinho risks Barcelona wrath after calls to rivals Real Madrid

Philippe Coutinho finalised his move to Barcelona this week, eventually putting pen to paper on a five-and-a-half-year deal.

The La Liga leaders had been chasing Coutinho for months, having failed to bring him to the Nou Camp last summer.

dug in their heels, forcing Barca to break their transfer record with a £142million bid in order to secure a deal for the 25-year-old.

Despite the hefty fee, his arrival at Barca has been well received by supporters and his new team-mates alike.

However, Spanish outlet Don Balon claim Coutinho could have already put himself in his new club’s bad books by being too friendly with the mortal enemy – Real Madrid.

Coutinho is said to have been on the receiving end of calls and messages from Real’s Brazilian players.

The likes of Casemiro and Marcelo seem to have looked past their rivalry with Barca and have welcomed Coutinho with open arms.

Don Balon claim Real’s Brazil internationals have spoken with the former Anfield man and wished him well in La Liga.

And they have also insisted their club rivalry should not drive a wedge between them – which could cause a problem for some Barca fans.

Coutinho, however, clearly has his eyes firmly set on success with Barcelona and admitted this week moving to the Nou Camp was a dream come true.

“Hi fans, I am already here, it is a dream come true and I hope to see you tomorrow,” he said.

“It is incredible to know that I am going to live with idols, players with a lot of history,” he said.

“Footballers like Leo Messi, Luis Suarez, [Andres] Iniesta, [Gerard] Pique, [Sergio] Busquets.

“I am very happy to be able to live together, to be able to learn from them and be able to win together.”

And his new team-mate and fellow countryman Paulinho was equally delighted with the transfer and lauded the move after Barca’s 3-0 win over Levante.

When asked about the former Liverpool transfer, he replied: “Coutinho is a great player.

“I am sure that he will help us very much.

“The return of Ousmane Dembele is also very important for us as it’s a long season.

“And I am happy with the goals but happier for the three points.”

but is expected to be in action for Barca early next month.