#15 - Aston Villa secure loan signing of Philippe Coutinho

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Brazilian superstar Philippe Coutinho is reunited with Liverpool legend and Villa manager Steven Gerrard, as the 29-year-old returns to the Premier League for the remainder of the season.
 
Photo by Julia Engel 

Member of The Villa Podcast Conán Doherty, said: "I think a loan deal was the only option. Coutinho has been a wonderful footballer, but we should be wary about signing a player who has stalled in recent years. It's very rare a player reinvents himself.

"Gerrard has show he's diligent, serious and relentless as a coach and thinker. Combine that with the pull his playing career commands, we can start to attract more players of Coutinho's ilk.

"Anyone who has ever seen what Coutinho can do in a tight area with players around him couldn't possibly be unexcited at the prospect of him playing for their team. He guarantees moments of brilliance." 

Coutinho joined Barcelona from Liverpool in January 2018 for £146 million, but has failed to live up to expectations for the Spanish giants.

Gerrard added speculation to the move on Thursday morning, as he told Sky Sports: "I don't think you get nicknamed as a magician if you're not a special footballer."

This loan is Coutinho's second since joining Barcelona. He spent the 19/20 season at Bayern Munich, winning the Bundesliga, the DFB Pokal and the Champions League. 

AVFC News writer, statistician and Claret & Blue podcast contributor Pat Rowe, said: "I think it's an amazing signing! He's a world class player and we're providing him with the platform to thrive.

"He has an immense progressive quality on the ball to create opportunities for his teammates, exactly like Grealish did.

"I've heard we're even paying him less than what we were paying Ross Barkley last season, which is mental!" 

According to Mail Online Sport journalist Tom Collomosse, Aston Villa are paying around £125,000 a week for Coutinho's wages after the attacking midfielder agreed to a 35% wage reduction. 

The deal also allows Aston Villa to sign Coutinho on a permanent transfer for £33 million at the end of the season. 

Barcelona manager Xavi said: "It says a lot about Coutinho that he wanted to leave on loan to Villa to get more minutes. His salary has been reduced. He's a great pro. He was struggling here and he has looked for a solution. He wants to succeed." 


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