OFFICIAL: Coutinho joins Villa on loan to bring disastrous Barca spell to an end
Robin Bairner
- Updated: 7 Jan 2022 09:37 GMT
- 3 min read
Philippe Coutinho has completed a move to Aston Villa from Barcelona and makes his return to the Premier League five years after leaving Liverpool.
In a statement on Friday, the Birmingham club confirmed that they had agreed a deal to loan the Brazil international for the remainder of the season and will reportedly sign the player on a permanent deal in the summer transfer window.
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Since arriving at Camp Nou from Liverpool in January 2018, Coutinho has struggled to find his best level and has been on the fringes of the team for months. Indeed, he even spent the 2019/20 season on loan at Bayern Munich.
It was reported that as many as six clubs were interested in the midfielder, with Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham among the teams associated with a move. Sky Sports, however, reported that there was no interest from the Reds or Spurs.
While Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard didn't go as far as to confirm the deal in a recent press conference, he was coy enough to admit Coutinho's arrival would be a great bit of business by the club.
“I do appreciate that his name is out there and that he’s linked to Aston Villa, but there are also five other clubs in the Premier League and others across Europe who are linked with him,” Gerrard said.
“I can understand that because you’re talking about a world-class individual and player. He’s a wonderful footballer.
“To share a pitch with Coutinho was a great experience because he was on a level that few footballers are on. His imagination, his creation, and also some of the highlight reels are incredible. His name speaks for himself. But I can’t say any more than that.”
What this means for Barca
Coutinho’s departure is huge news for Barcelona as it will mean that his wage (or at least the bulk of it), will be removed from their budget and should play a large part in allowing Ferran Torres to be registered.
The Spain forward was signed from Manchester City last week but the club must make room on their wage bill before he can play.
Loaning out Coutinho would allow Barcelona to do just that, while Aston Villa will be tasked with unlocking the star’s undoubted potential.
