Finance Expert reacts to Aston Villa transfer news as Philippe Coutinho closes in on exit
We’re delighted to welcome football finance expert Dr Daniel Plumley as our exclusive columnist, he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Aston Villa.
Dan Plumley has insisted that Aston Villa have a good opportunity to get rid of Philippe Coutinho and save considerable costs on his wages alone.
The finance expert admitted that the move hasn’t quite worked out for parties, with the risk in transfer strategies clear to see at Villa Park.
Ben Jacobs shared footage of Coutinho in Doha on September 4, as he prepared to undergo his medical before a move to Al-Duhail is finalised.
“The risk in transfer strategies, this is one that probably hasn’t worked out for Villa,” he exclusively told Villa News.
“It was a really interesting signing at the time, but Villa seem to be going in a different direction now.
“He will be on considerable wages so actually, getting him off that wage bill and also if there is interest and you drive a fee up with a club in Qatar, and the money is good enough, it’s a good opportunity to shift him on and save a considerable cost on wages.”
Coutinho has enjoyed a mixed spell since his move to Villa Park, under Steven Gerrard at the time.
The 31-year-old played 43 times for the Villans overall and looks set to leave with only six goals and three assists to his name with some consistent injury problems too.
Unai Emery has signed some attacking talent such as Moussa Diaby and Youri Tielemans this summer, meaning the exit door was easier to put Coutinho through in the end.
In other Aston Villa news, the future of this loanee hangs in the balance as contract talks await.