Aston Villa news: Philippe Coutinho tipped to snub ‘massive club’ for permanent move – pundit
Noel Whelan has tipped Philippe Coutinho to snub any rival offers to sign permanently for Aston Villa this summer.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Leeds striker suggested nothing would lure the 29-year-old from playing under a “friend” in Steven Gerrard.
As revealed by Football Insider on Thursday (10 February), Villa have a £33.7million option to buy Coutinho after signing him on loan from Barcelona last month.
Steven Gerrard was the driving force behind the deal and is expected to push the Villa board to trigger their purchase.
One potential obstacle could be rival offers from other clubs if he continues his rise at Villa Park.
However, Whelan suggested Coutinho would turn a move anywhere else down if he can sign for Villa.
Asked if he thought Coutinho could be tempted by another club, Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “A quick answer to that one is no. The reason why is trust.
“Manager, player, friendship. It’s down to the trust Steven Gerrad’s put in him. The responsibility to be that special player and the onus on him being that standout superstar in the side.
“The reason why he came to Villa is for Gerrard. I’m sure he would have had other offers from massive clubs throughout Europe. What you’re seeing here is a friendship and a trust between two players.
“I really don’t think that anything will entice Coutinho away from Steven Gerrard. I think that friendship comes first, that loyalty comes first, that trust in him.
“You saw the other night, straight after the game, Steven put his arm around him, having a little chat, having a little laugh. Showing his man-management skills.
“I think he’s playing that football because of Steven Gerrard, the trust and how quickly they’ve made him settle into life at Aston Villa. I think his loyalty will be with Steven Gerrard from now on.”
Coutinho has scored twice and chipped in with two assists so far for Villa.
His contract at Barcelona runs until the summer of 2023.
In other news, Aston Villa are working on an “unbelievable” £50m summer transfer.