Philippe Coutinho granted Portuguese citizenship in Barcelona boost | OneFootball

Barcelona have been boosted by the news that Philippe Coutinho has been granted Portuguese citizenship through his wife, Aine.

According to ESPN, the Brazilian is no longer a non-EU player after receiving the relevant documents and is now free to play in the Spanish Super Cup against Sevilla on Sunday.

Each LaLiga club is allowed five non-EU players but only three are permitted in each match day squad.

Following the summer arrivals of Arturo Vidal, Malcom and Arthur, it looked as if Barca would begin the season with five even after offloading Colombia international Yerry Mina to Everton. Marlon Santos, the other non-EU player, is expected to leave on loan this month.

Coutinho, who joined the club from Liverpool in January for €160m, was granted the citizenship as he fulfils the relevant criteria having been married to his wife for longer than two years.

Striker Luis Suárez followed a similar route, with the club helping the Uruguayan apply for Italian citizenship through his partner, Sofia Balbi.