Philippe Coutinho: Agbonlahor ‘100%’ expects Aston Villa deal after source’s transfer update
Gabby Agbonlahor has tipped Aston Villa to sign Philippe Coutinho on a permanent deal in the summer.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Aston Villa’s record Premier League goalscorer claimed Coutinho will love the recognition he is getting from the fans and will want to continue to be Steven Gerrard’s main man.
A club source told Football Insider last Thursday (10 February) Gerrard will have no hesitation in telling the board to activate the option in the Brazilian’s loan deal.
He has enjoyed a resurgence in the Midlands with two goals and two assists in four Premier League games since his January loan move.
Villa have the option to make the deal permanent for £33.7million in the summer.
Asked whether he expects a move to be completed, Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “Yes, 100 per cent.
“If you look at Coutinho now with the performances that he’s putting in, he’s enjoying his football again. That’s what you want as a player.
“You’d rather go somewhere where you are enjoying your football.
“He will look at Villa and know Steven Gerrard will make changes in the summer as well.
“Some players in the squad are not safe so he can get the best team available and attract the best players, like Coutinho.
“I think Coutinho will definitely want to sign and continue to play in such a great team.
“He will love that feeling from the Aston Villa fans and will want to stay to be the main man in the team.”
Coutinho now has 43 goals and 39 assists in 156 Premier League games for Liverpool and Villa.
He was the second most expensive footballer in the world when he moved from Liverpool to Barcelona for £142million in January 2018.
In other news, Aston Villa will listen to offers for a £17million star ahead of the summer.