Karl-Heinz Rummenigge admits that Bayern Munich is happy with the performances of Philippe Coutinho since joining the club in summer.
Bayern Munich have the option to make a couple of decisions on loan transfers next summer. The German club will have to decide whether to sign Ivan Perisic and Philippe Coutinho permanently next summer. The attacking duo joined the club on one-year loan deals at the end of last summer transfer window.
After struggling in Barcelona for 18 months, Coutinho decided to make a move to Bavaria. The Brazilian endured a difficult time for the Spanish club as he couldn’t justify the hefty £142 million price tag by delivering consistent performances.
However, life at Bayern has been much better for the Brazilian forward. Coutinho looks more settled in Germany. He has been given an extended run in his favoured number ten position by Niko Kovac. Coutinho has grabbed these chances with both hands by delivering consistent performance in the past one month.
The former Liverpool has a long way to go in securing a permanent move to Bayern. Speaking to Kicker (via Goal), Karl-Heinz Rummenigge expressed satisfaction regarding Coutinho’s performances in Bavarian colours. The club’s CEO also praised the human qualities of the Brazilian forward.
"“Philippe is a high-quality player.”“Philippe has no star attitudes. He is a very pleasant person and he is very popular throughout the club. We are very satisfied with the transfer.”"
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Coutinho took time to settle in Bavaria after missing the majority of pre-season due to participation in Copa America. The Brazilian insisted that his form will gradually improve at Bayern. He has credited the club for helping him in settling at the club and city in no time.
The former Liverpool forward can still go few levels up in terms of performances, but the signs are promising for Die Roten. His creativity in the final third will be crucial for the German team when they face deep blocks. Moreover, he is currently on the same wavelength with the other forwards at the club.
Rummenigge also admits that Die Roten will decide Coutinho’s future at the right time amidst the claims that the German club has already decided to sign him permanently. The recent reports in Spain suggested that Barcelona will be open to negotiating a lower fee for Coutinho. Bayern currently have the option to sign him permanently for €120 million.
Coutinho’s arrival at Die Roten will also depend on Kai Havertz. The German attacking midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to Bavaria. Havertz decided to stay at Bayer Leverkusen last summer, but a move in 2020 is looking likely as numerous top clubs are interested in the creative midfielder.