Aston Villa news: Agbonlahor issues ‘very unhappy’ Philippe Coutinho claim after Instagram reveal
Gabby Agbonlahor has suggested it is “definitely possible” for Philippe Coutinho to have an Aston Villa future as long as he is starting regularly.
The former Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, warned fans that the 30-year-old is not the player Claret and Blue fans were “hoping” to get when they signed him permanently.
Coutinho took to Instagram yesterday (29 December) to claim he is “very happy” at Aston Villa despite reports linking him with a return to Brazil.
He insisted his “only focus” is to return from injury and help his teammates after missing three games with a hamstring problem before the World Cup.
Coutinho, who made a four-minute substitute cameo against former side Liverpool on Boxing Day, is yet to score or assist in 14 games so far this season.
Aston Villa signed the midfielder for a reported £17million in the summer window after a successful loan spell last season.
Agbonlahor claimed Coutinho could become “very unhappy” if he cannot become a regular fixture in Unai Emery’s side.
He told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “It’s definitely possible that he has a future.
“But if you look at what he’s got to offer, it’s clear that he’s not the player Aston Villa were hoping was going to come.
“He hasn’t got the legs any more, and he’s just not the player you remember when you think of Coutinho. The attributes just aren’t there.
“He’s one of these players, in my opinion, that if you keep him around without playing him – he could become very unhappy.”
In other news, expert claims Ollie Watkins is “at risk” at Aston Villa with Unai Emery set to swing the axe.