Barcelona's Philippe Coutinho has completed a year-long loan move to Bayern Munich, in a deal that includes a 120m-euro end-of-season purchase option.
In a statement, Barça confirmed that Bayern are to cover Coutinho's wages in full(the Brazilian international reportedly earns between 11 and 13m euros after tax), and are also to pay an 8.5m-euro loan fee for the 27-year-old.
Although Coutinho is only leaving on loan for now, there was a hint of finality about Barça's announcement, which thanked him for his "commitment and dedication" and added that the club "wishes him all the best in this new stage of his career".
He departs after a season and a half at Barça in which he began as the expected midfield successor to club legend Andrés Iniesta, but became a target for the Camp Nou boo boys after failing to reproduce the form that persuaded the Catalans to sign him from Liverpool in a January 2018 transfer worth 160m euros.
Coutinho, who is to wear the number 10 shirt at Bayern, told the Bundesliga giants' official website: "For me, this move means a new challenge in a new country with one of the best clubs in Europe," Coutinho said after completing the move. "I'm very much looking forward to that. Like FC Bayern, I have big ambitions and I'm convinced that I can achieve them together with my new teammates."
Meanwhile, Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic said: "Philippe Coutinho made it very clear during our talks in Barcelona that he was adamant about moving to Bayern. He is a world-class footballer with outstanding technical ability and is a versatile attacking option."
The 27-year-old scored 21 goals and provided 11 assists in 76 appearances for Barcelona in all competitions, winning two La Liga titles and one Copa del Rey.
The Brazil international's spell at the Catalan club has not always been a smooth one, however, with Barca fans failing to warm to the midfielder.
Coutinho will be more welcome in Germany, according to Bayern manager Niko Kovac.
