Philippe Coutinho's move to Bayern Munich from Barcelona should be viewed as a 'win for the Bundesliga', according to the champions' former midfielder Dietmar Hamann.
Hamann, who made over 100 appearances for the Bavarian club in the 1990s, believes that Coutinho’s arrival is excellent news for the Bundesliga.
"Congratulations, Bayern Munich, on this sensational transfer. Philippe Coutinho is a win for the Bundesliga," said Hamann in Kicker magazine.
The former Germany international, who also enjoyed spells in England with Liverpool, Newcastle and Manchester City among others, believes that Coutinho will have an immediate impact.
"Coutinho will hit the Bundesliga with full force. Bayern Munich will also benefit enormously from him and his technique, especially in games against teams with deep-lying defences.”
Coutinho was a success during a five-year spell at Liverpool as part of the fab four strike partnership with Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino. He has also won 55 international caps and was part of Brazil’s victorious Copa America squad in July.
Hamann says that Bayern should now look to improve in midfield.
"I see the biggest weakness for Bayern at the moment in the defensive midfield," he said. "Thiago cannot play as a lone anchor in midfield as he lacks the ability to clear the ball. Javi Martínez has proved that he can still do it in big games, but I don't think that that's enough. If Bayern could add to this position, they would be a candidate for the Champions League title."