Philippe Coutinho ‘plan B emerges after nightmare Aston Villa transfer update’
Philippe Coutinho’s nightmare at Aston Villa may come to an end sooner rather than later.
The 33-year-old joined when Steven Gerrard was Villans manager after a loan spell, in which he notched five goals and three assists in 19 matches.
The former Liverpool star could not replicate that form under Unai Emery and was sent out on loan to Al-Duhail in Qatar in the 2023/24 season.
He joined Vasco De Gama on another loan last season, making 44 appearances and scoring eight goals for the side where it all began.
Coutinho’s Aston Villa exit takes a new twist
Coutinho is expected to leave Villa Park permanently this summer despite having a year left on his contract, but that may not be the case after new developments.
A report from Brazilian outlet Terra (24 June) claims that no agreement has been made to terminate his deal with the B6 outfit, yet.
It states that Vasco are working on a plan B, a new loan until December, while the situation is resolved between the player and Villa.
Villa and Coutinho should come to an agreement
It makes no sense to prolong the situation, clearly, there is no way back for Coutinho under Emery and it makes sense to get his wages off the books.
Coutinho is understood to be on around £6.5million per year, and with the Villans facing significant Profit and Sustainability constraints this summer, a departure must be sanctioned so that Monchi and Emery can thrive in the transfer window.
His spell in claret and blue has been very underwhelming after he initially starred on loan, and he has failed to build on the promise that he showed on Merseyside beforehand.
A permanent exit would be the best solution for both parties; they need to come to an agreement to get him gone as quickly as possible.
The longer it drags on, it may affect Villa’s ability to do business, due to the financial issues that they are facing, so it must be dealt with swiftly.
The Brazilian club want him, Villa obviously do not, surely a compromise can be reached.
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