Aston Villa could accept Philippe Coutinho offer after what expert has spotted
Alan Hutton has suggested Philippe Coutinho could give way to new signings at Aston Villa.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Villa defender insisted Unai Emery will want to bring in more attacking talent, despite Ollie Watkins’ recent run of form.
Before the victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday (4 March), Watkins had scored in five consecutive top flight games.
As relayed by BT Sport (25 February), the 27-year-old became the first Villa player to achieve such a feat since Paul Rideout in the 1980s.
Coutinho, 30, has struggled with form and injuries at Villa Park this season and has scored just one goal in 20 Premier League appearances.
His contract runs until 2026 after joining permanently from Barcelona last summer.
But Hutton suggested Coutinho could be one of the players to make way for new signings.
“Unai Emery is in that situation where he will want to put his own stamp on the team,” he told Football Insider.
“I know he has brought in one or two players but I think he will want to add to that as well.
“The striking options, he will need to decide what to do with the likes of Coutinho who will be on high wages. Does he get him out the door to fund other movement?
“Is he happy with the fringe players that are already there? I think he will want to refresh that.
“Ollie Watkins has been outstanding, he will definitely be happy. I think the formation Emery is playing at the moment suits him. But he will definitely want to bring in his own players at the moment.“
In other news, Aston Villa expert is thrilled by potential Marcus Thuram deal as club chief speaks out.