# Philippe Coutinho joins Santos on short-term deal > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/everton-cebolinha-transfer-negotiations > Updated: 2026-09-10T21:05:12.000Z. Sources: 56. Developments: 5. Santos FC has finalized the signing of 34-year-old midfielder Philippe Coutinho on a short-term contract that will last until the end of the 2026 season. The deal follows Coutinho’s period of inactivity after rescinding his contract with Vasco da Gama in February to focus on his mental health. The transfer was heavily facilitated by Neymar, acting as a key intermediary through NR Sports to reunite the former national teammates. The short-term nature of the agreement is viewed as a low-risk arrangement for Santos, providing the club with an experienced technical leader for the remainder of the season, including the Campeonato Brasileiro and the Copa Sudamericana. As previously planned, the club’s coaching staff intends to implement a physical reconditioning period to address Coutinho’s seven-month absence from competitive play. His arrival adds to recent reinforcements for Santos, including Arthur, Rodinei, Lima, and Everton Cebolinha, following the club’s successful effort to overturn a transfer ban. ## Claims - Philippe Coutinho has reached an agreement to join Santos as a free agent. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Neymar participated in the negotiations and requested the club to sign Coutinho. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Coutinho is scheduled to undergo medical examinations at CT Rei Pelé on Friday, September 11. (corroborated by 2 sources) - NR Sports, a company owned by Neymar's family, was involved in the negotiations. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Coutinho has not played a professional match since February 14. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The initial contract is expected to last three months, through the end of the current season. (single source) - Santos recently overturned a transfer ban that had prevented the signing of new players. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-10: Santos FC nears signing of Philippe Coutinho with Neymar's assistance Santos FC is finalizing the signing of midfielder Philippe Coutinho on a short-term deal through the end of 2026, a move facilitated by Neymar to reunite the former Brazilian teammates. 23 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/philippe-coutinho-agrees-to-join-santos-fc ### 2026-09-08: Santos FC signs Everton Cebolinha and nears Philippe Coutinho deal Santos FC has officially signed attacker Everton Cebolinha from Flamengo and is finalizing a deal for midfielder Philippe Coutinho, both moves heavily supported by Neymar Jr. 37 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/everton-cebolinhas-return-to-grmio-stalled-by-salary-demands ### 2026-08-31: Botafogo advances negotiations for Everton Cebolinha Botafogo is negotiating for Flamengo attacker Everton Cebolinha and finalizing the signing of defender Arthur Chaves, while also seeking a new head coach. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/botafogo-advances-negotiations-for-everton-cebolinha ### 2026-08-26: Flamengo to release Everton Cebolinha for free Flamengo has agreed to release winger Everton Cebolinha for free this transfer window as the player seeks a return to European football. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/everton-cebolinha-authorized-to-leave-flamengo-for-free ### 2026-08-20: Footballers Miguel Borja and Everton Cebolinha pursue new club transfers Colombian striker Miguel Borja is set to join the Mexican league, while Flamengo's Everton Cebolinha receives offers from Russia, Italy, and the USA. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/footballers-miguel-borja-and-everton-cebolinha-pursue-new-club-transfers --- Cite as: Philippe Coutinho joins Santos on short-term deal. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/everton-cebolinha-transfer-negotiations