Philippe Coutinho is closing in on a move to Santos after Neymar helped convince his former Brazil teammate to join the club for the final months of the 2026 season.

Coutinho set to join Neymar at Santos after Brazilian star pushes for deal

Philippe Coutinho is closing in on a move to Santos after Neymar played a major role in convincing his former Brazil teammate to join the club.

Santos have reached an agreement with the 34-year-old attacking midfielder, who has been without a club since leaving Vasco da Gama earlier this year.

Coutinho is expected to undergo medical examinations at Santos’ CT Rei Pelé training centre before signing a short-term contract through the end of the 2026 season.

The deal has not yet been officially announced, with the medical and final signature still required before confirmation.

Neymar personally wanted Coutinho at Santos

Brazilian reports say Coutinho was a personal request from Neymar, who helped lead conversations with his longtime friend and encouraged him to accept the move.

The two players spent years together with Brazil and could now share a club dressing room for the first time.

NR Sports, the company linked to Neymar’s family, was also involved in facilitating discussions during the earlier stages of the negotiations.

Santos reach agreement with Coutinho

After discussions over Coutinho’s physical condition, contract structure and return to competitive football, Santos have agreed a deal subject to the final procedures.

The midfielder is expected to report for his medical before the contract is formally completed.

The agreement represents a significant change from earlier reports, when Santos were still assessing whether the transfer was realistic.

Medical tests are the next major step

The examination will be important because Coutinho has been out of competitive action for several months.

His last official appearance came on February 14, when he played for Vasco da Gama against Volta Redonda in the Campeonato Carioca.

Since leaving Vasco, he has remained without a club. Santos therefore want to assess his condition before registering him and planning his return.

A short-term contract is expected

Coutinho’s proposed agreement is expected to cover the remainder of the 2026 season rather than represent a long-term commitment.

Reports differ slightly over whether the deal will last approximately three or four months, but it should run until the end of the campaign.

Coutinho and Neymar could become club teammates

Neymar and Coutinho have shared important moments with Brazil but have never played together at club level.

A completed Santos transfer would bring the two former Brazil stars together for the first time.

Coutinho would also add considerable experience, having represented Liverpool, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Aston Villa and Vasco da Gama.

At his best, he offers creativity, long-range shooting and the ability to play as a No.10 or from the left side of attack.

Match fitness remains the main concern

The biggest question surrounding the move is Coutinho’s lack of competitive football.

He has not played an official match since February and may need an individual conditioning programme before being ready for significant minutes.

That concern was one reason Santos approached the negotiations cautiously.

Cuca welcomes the possibility

Santos coach Cuca has spoken positively about adding the experienced midfielder.

He described Coutinho as a high-level player and made clear that the door was open if the club could complete the deal.

His arrival would give Santos another creative option during the final stretch of the season.

Santos continue to strengthen their squad

Coutinho would join a series of experienced additions made by Santos, including Rodinei, Arthur, Lima and Everton Cebolinha.

His arrival is expected to complete the club’s major recruitment work for the season.

The strategy is to add proven players capable of making an immediate impact, with Neymar’s presence helping Santos attract established Brazilian stars.

The deal is not official yet

Although multiple Brazilian outlets have reported an agreement, Santos have not completed every formal step required to announce Coutinho.

The midfielder still needs to pass his medical and sign the final contract.

For now, “set to join Santos” or “agreed a deal” remains more accurate than saying he has officially signed.

A major Brazilian reunion is close

The move began as Neymar’s personal wish and has now reached its final stages.

If Coutinho passes his medical, Neymar will have helped bring one of his closest former Brazil teammates to Vila Belmiro.

Coutinho’s journey from Vasco to European giants and back to Brazil could now lead him to Santos, where he may finally become Neymar’s club teammate.