Aston Villa: ‘Crazy’ transfer view emerges in discussion on Phillipe Coutinho replacement at Villa Park
We’re delighted to welcome former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Villa Park…
Alan Hutton doubts Aston Villa will sign a replacement for exit-linked Philippe Coutinho before the transfer window closes – but he wouldn’t rule it out completely.
Fabrizio Romano reported on Sunday (27 August) that even though Coutinho, 3, is currently injured, Qatari side Al-Duhal are in advanced talks with the playmaker but are yet to submit a bid to Aston Villa.
Villa have also lost Emi Buendia to injury for what could be the entire season and while Nicolo Zaniolo has been loaned in from Galatasaray to replace the Argentine, Hutton isn’t too convinced the same will happen for Coutinho amid speculation linking him with a move to the Middle East.
When asked by Villa News if he thinks a replacement will be signed for Coutinho, Hutton said: “I don’t think so but you can never say never.
“Buendia’s injured and Zaniolo’s come in so they’ve brought in some flair who can play in those sort of forward areas of the pitch.
“I don’t think it’s a real must but the last few days of the transfer window can be crazy.”
Coutinho suffered a hamstring injury in the 4-0 win over Everton and spent a lot of last season on the sidelines too.
He’s struggled to make an impact since Unai Emery replaced Steven Gerrard as the manager at Villa Park and due to his high wages in the West Midlands, a move to the Middle East has always seemed likely if he was to move on.
The Mirror claims Coutinho earns £125,000-a-week on his deal at Villa, which would mean a lot of money would be freed up should he leave B6 in the coming hours.
As Hutton says, a lot can change very quickly in football and as the clock ticks down to the 11pm deadline on Friday night (1 September), one going out and one going in at Villa Park still cannot be ruled out.
In other Aston Villa news, an imminent multi-million exit from Villa Park has caused uproar.