‘Aston Villa close to Philippe Coutinho agreement amid contract uncertainty’
Aston Villa are close to reaching a settlement with outcast Philippe Coutinho amid their PSR concerns.
Coutinho joined Villa from Barcelona in 2022, following a loan spell, under Steven Gerrard who was his team mate and captain at Liverpool.
However, the Brazilian has not played for the club since August 2023 due to injuries and coaching decisions.
Coutinho has been loaned out to Al-Duhail and Vasco Da Gama over the past two seasons, as manager Unai Emery does not see the 33-year-old as part of his future plans.
Coutinho to become free agent
Back in 2018, Coutinho earned a move to Barcelona following a successful period at Liverpool for the player.
However, before his loan at Villa, the Spanish club loaned Coutinho out to German giants Bayern Munich just a year after spending £142million to lure the player from Anfield.
Now, he is set to become a free agent after The Daily Mail revealed the club and the player were close to an agreement to terminate his contract.
Marcus Rashford, Axel Disasi and Marco Asensio departing the club following their loan periods, has contributed to Villa being able to pay Coutinho off.
The Brazilian reportedly earns around £120,000 a week, which Villa are keen to wipe off their wage bill.
The club are in the process of selling their women’s team for £50m to £60m to also help avoid a PSR breach.
Important business for Villa as busy summer awaits
Football Insider verdict
Coutinho was one of the best players in the Premier League and in Europe whilst at Liverpool.
Arriving as a talented prospect from Inter Milan, Coutinho came close to helping the Reds win their first Premier League title back in 2014.
His moments of magic and gifted technical ability lit up Anfield for five seasons.
Since his departure to Barcelona, Coutinho has been unable to rediscover his best form.
Now on the verge of a Villa exit, and after two loan spells to clubs in Saudi Arabia and Brazil respectively, it looks unlikely that Coutinho has a future in Europe.
| Appearances | 43 |
| Goals | 6 |
| Assists | 3 |
For Villa, an agreement to terminate Coutinho’s contract would free up important space in their wage bill, and contribute further to complying with PSR rules.
After the departures of loan players and with the future of number one Emiliano Martinez uncertain, Emery could have a busy summer of transfer activity ahead.