Philippe Coutinho has welcomed Liverpool's swoop for Hoffenheim midfielder Roberto Firmino.

The Reds completed the signing of Firmino from Hoffenheim in a £21.3m deal on Wednesday, making him their fifth signing of the summer already.

"I think it is great news," he told the club's official website.

“Firmino is a great player and obviously I know him from the Brazilian national team. He is a great character and person.

"He is strong physically, he is fast, agile, very skilful on the ball and he scores a lot of goals - he is a great forward. I am sure he will be of great help to us next season.

"After hearing the news, I said to him 'welcome to Liverpool' and I have told him that he will be coming into a club that is like a family - I made sure to tell him that.

"I have also wished him a great and very successful first season at Liverpool."