Aston Villa to terminate 'huge' earner's contract - sources
Aston Villa are working with Philippe Coutinho to cancel his contract two years early, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that Coutinho will leave Villa Park on a free as he looks to join a new club in the coming weeks.
Football Insider revealed last month there is “no way back” for the 32-year-old with Villa after he spent last season on loan with Qatari side Al-Duhail.
The Brazilian attacking midfielder isn’t in Unai Emery’s plans for next season and talks are ongoing over ending his contract this summer despite his deal running until 2026.
He is believed to be a "huge" earner at Villa on one of the top salaries at the club.
A return to Brazil is expected to be on the cards for Coutinho if he can come to an agreement with Villa.
Philippe Coutinho one of several players likely to leave Aston Villa
Coutinho was viewed as a marquee signing when Steven Gerrard secured a loan deal with Barcelona for his former Liverpool teammate in January 2022.
After the attacker’s deal was made permanent for £17million that summer, Gerrard was sacked just months later and Emery was appointed as his replacement.
Coutinho slipped down the pecking order under the Spaniard and, after registering six goals and three assists in 43 appearances for the club, he was loaned out to Al-Duhail last summer.
The Brazilian scored seven goals and laid on three assists in 22 games for the Qatari side, but that hasn't persuaded Emery to hand him another opportunity at Villa Park and talks are now ongoing about cancelling his contract.
Coutinho isn’t the only player set to leave Villa this summer after several players have been linked with an exit due to the club’s financial situation.
Football Insider revealed earlier this month the West Midlands giants must raise £60million in player sales this summer to avoid a potential points deduction next season.
Tim Iroegbunam has already joined Everton, while Juventus have agreed a swap deal for Douglas Luiz and Omari Kellyman has agreed to join Chelsea on a permanent transfer.
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