Aston Villa set for last resort after new Philippe Coutinho transfer update
Dan Bardell believes Aston Villa loaning out Philippe Coutinho this summer will be the last resort to get his wages off the books.
John Percy has reported (4 July) that the 32-year-old is set to join Vasco de Gama on a season-long loan deal as he looks to reignite his career.
Sky Sports and talkSPORT journalist Bardell believes Villa will have tried other options to move Coutinho on permanently and a loan will be the last resort.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Bardell said: “I think Villa have looked to shift him on a permanent or pay him off.
“With him going back to Brazil I can’t imagine they’ll be paying a huge portion of his wage. He’s clearly never going to play for Villa again and they’ll want him off the books one way or another.
“Villa will have looked at all the options that they have available to them and if it is a loan deal then Villa have clearly exhausted all of their other options and thought that’s the best way to get rid.
“He has to go because he’s on huge wages and will never play for the club again.“
Philippe Coutinho to leave Aston Villa for Vasco de Gama
There was so much excitement surrounding the former Liverpool star when he initially signed on loan from Barcelona.
The Brazilian started so well with a goal and an assist on his debut against Manchester United and that form continued until the end of his spell.
This saw the Villans take up the option to sign him on a permanent deal but things have only gone downhill from there ever since.
Coutinho has scored just one goal since his move to Villa Park for £17 million [Sky Sports] and spent last season on loan in Qatar.
Under Unai Emery, the attacking midfielder certainly isn’t going to get a chance in the Premier League or Champions League next season.
This is made especially clear by fresh rumours linking the Villans to new attacking options like Joao Felix this summer.
Coutinho hasn’t had the best time at Villa Park but will be remembered by fans for the excitement that he brought ahead of his loan.
In other Aston Villa news, Alisha Lehmann shares message to supporters as Juventus transfer confirmed.
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