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Aston Villa reach agreement for Philippe Coutinho

By Ernesto Hernandez

Philippe Coutinho warms up before the Spanish league football match between FC Barcelona and Elche CF at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on December 18, 2021. (Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images)
Philippe Coutinho warms up before the Spanish league football match between FC Barcelona and Elche CF at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on December 18, 2021. (Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Philippe Coutinho’s time at Barcelona has not proven to be productive and the Brazilian has been sent out on loan a second time. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
Philippe Coutinho’s time at Barcelona has not proven to be productive and the Brazilian has been sent out on loan a second time. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images) /

Barcelona and Aston Villa have reached an agreement on a loan deal for midfielder Philippe Coutinho. The Brazilian saw the writing on the wall and became open to a move with the World Cup in Qatar in mind.

According to ESPN, the deal is for a six-month loan with an option to buy at the end of the season. The deal is subject to a physical but Coutinho needs to test negative for Covid-19 before he can fly to England and join his new club.

Villa released an official announcement confirming the deal.

"Aston Villa and FC Barcelona have agreed terms for Philippe Coutinho to spend the rest of this season on loan at Villa Park.The agreement, which is subject to the player completing a medical and receiving a work permit, also includes an option to buy and Philippe will travel to Birmingham in the next 48 hours.Source: Aston Villa"

Barcelona were desperate to offload Coutinho given his wages and the fact he is not in Xavi’s plans. They were trying for an 18-month loan deal but in the end settled for six months. While not yet known how much of Coutinho’s wages Villa will pay, it is expected to be a considerable amount.

His move brings the Catalan side one step closer to being able to register Ferran Torres.

When asked about Coutinho, Xavi lauded the fact he decided to leave in order to get playing time.

"“It says a lot about Coutinho that he’s gone out on loan because he wants to play, and reducing his salary. He’s a great pro.“It wasn’t working for him here and he’s looked for a solution. He wants to succeed. We will see what happens with Samu [Umtiti.] I don’t have any complaints about anyone. All the players are professional. I’m delighted with those that are playing but also those that aren’t.”Source: ESPN"

Coutinho returns to the Premier League where he flourished during his time with Liverpool. Despite some initial success when he joined Barcelona, it never truly worked out.

Much was made about his position on the pitch and how he couldn’t show his best because the space he liked to move to was the same space occupied by Lionel Messi. In other words, he was being stifled by the Argentinian.

He was given another opportunity under Ronald Koeman following his loan spell with Bayern Munich. Again, he showed some flashes here and there but suffered an injury, which allowed for the emergence of Pedri and the rest is history.

He received yet another opportunity when Xavi took over but once again failed to impress. With no Messi, the excuses ran out.

Coutinho now has the opportunity to re-ignite his career. He’s sure to have the trust of Villa manager Steven Gerrard. His contract ends in 2023 but Villa have the option to make the move permanent.

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The range is feasible for a Premier League club. For Barcelona, they hope his stint goes well and Villa end up taking him off their hands. Should that happen, then every side ends up a winner in the deal.

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