“From Hero to Outcast: Aston Villa on Verge of Dumping Forgotten Star
Philippe Coutinho Could Leave Aston Villa Permanently After Latest Update from Loan Club
Aston Villa may finally have the opportunity to part ways with Philippe Coutinho this summer, following promising developments from his current loan club, Vasco da Gama.
The Brazilian midfielder returned to his roots last July, joining Vasco—his boyhood club—on loan. Since then, Coutinho has impressed, making a positive impact on the squad and settling in well.
As a result, the Rio de Janeiro club is keen to keep him beyond his current loan deal.
Vasco’s CEO, Carlos Amodeo, recently confirmed that the club has opened talks with Coutinho’s representatives in hopes of securing a permanent move.
With his loan set to expire at the end of the month, Vasco are working to reach an agreement with both the player and Aston Villa.
“We’ve expressed our desire to keep Philippe Coutinho,” Amodeo told reporters (via ESPN). “He’s adjusting well to Brazilian football and the league’s demands.
We’ve already started negotiations with his representative, and we hope to have everything in place so that when the season resumes, he’ll be officially part of our squad again.”
Coutinho has scored five goals and provided three assists during his time at Vasco. His contract with Villa, which began in May 2022, runs until next June.
However, his stint in Birmingham has largely been underwhelming, and he hasn’t featured for the club in nearly two years. He was previously loaned to Al-Duhail in Qatar before heading to Brazil.
Vasco manager Fernando Diniz also expressed strong support for keeping Coutinho at the club. “I believe things will move forward and he’ll stay with us. That’s his wish, the club’s wish, the fans’ wish—and mine too,” Diniz said in a recent press conference (via Sport Witness).
“I’ve always admired his talent, and getting to know him as a person only adds to that admiration. He’s a humble player with so much to offer. Players like Coutinho are a gift to Brazilian football.”
Since making a high-profile move from Liverpool to Barcelona in 2018, Coutinho’s career has seen a steady decline.
Despite flashes of brilliance, he’s struggled to find consistency. With Vasco now pushing for a permanent deal, this summer could finally mark the end of his time at Villa Park.
