Aston Villa are reportedly close to finalising a deal to sign Philippe Coutinho permanently once his loan from Barcelona expires in the summer.
The former Liverpool star has impressed since arriving at Villa Park in January. With the loan agreement set to expire at the end of the season, Villa manager Steven Gerrard is reportedly trying to do what he can to keep the Brazil international at the club.
Aston Villa Looking to Sign Philippe Coutinho From Barcelona on a Permanent Basis
A Strong Showing
Since arriving at Villa Park, Coutinho has helped Aston Villa to climb to 11th place in the Premier League table, where they currently sit with three games remaining of the 2021/22 season. Coutinho has chipped in with four goals and four assists in 16 appearances on his return to the Premier League.
Coutinho has emerged as a key cog for manager Steven Gerrard, making 14 starts since joining in January and the Villa manager seems to have liked what he’s seen so far from the Brazil international. The former England midfielder went on record after the 3-1 victory over Burnley, stating that “We want Phil Coutinho here, for sure”.
Villa reportedly have the option to sign the 29-year-old for £33 million before his loan expires. However, the Midlands club are looking to strike a cut-price deal with the midfielder’s parent club as Barcelona look to offload the player and his wages.
Coutinho did not have the best of times in La Liga, since joining for £146 million from Liverpool in 2018. The midfielder has only managed 12 appearances in each of the last two seasons at the Catalan club after returning from a stint on loan in the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich.
With a permanent return to the Premier League possibly on the cards, Villa fans will likely be happy to see Coutinho suiting up in claret and blue for the 2022/23 season.
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