Aston Villa has confirmed that they have reached an agreement with Barcelona to sign Phillipe Coutinho on loan until the end of the season.
The club said: “The agreement, which is subject to the player completing a medical and receiving a work permit, also includes an option to buy and Philippe will travel to Birmingham in the next 48 hours.”
The out-of-favour 29-year-old made his decision based on the opportunity to reunite with his former Liverpool teammate, only this time he will be playing under him.
Phillipe Coutinho to Join Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa on Loan
Welcome, Philippe Coutinho! 🙌
Aston Villa and FC Barcelona have agreed terms for Philippe Coutinho to spend the rest of this season on loan at Villa Park. 🇧🇷
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) January 7, 2022
Coup For Villa
Steven Gerrard’s and Aston Villa’s relationship began in November of last year on the basis that they would strive to be ambitious. In their first transfer window together, they are meeting that goal.
Liverpool’s Coutinho was a mastery of the attacking artistic form of the sport. The Brazilian’s array of abilities varied from his vision, pace, agility and quick feet paired him against the best in the world. His eye to score from a distance forced defenders to come out of position to block any instinctive attempt Coutinho may unleash.
After securing his dream move to Barcelona, Coutinho’s career began to decline. Where Liverpool fitted their system around their star playmaker, Barcelona barely accommodated for the attacking midfielder. He never settled and the Catalans opted to loan him to European rivals Bayern Munich in 2019/20.
Barcelona’s desire to move on from their failed superstar has offered a gift to Villa. If Gerrard is able to get the best out of Coutinho, Villa’s high ambition will be getting off the ground.
A Bond With Gerrard
On Thursday, Steven Gerrard said: “I do appreciate that his name is out there and that he’s linked to Aston Villa, but there are also five other clubs in the Premier League and others across Europe who are linked with him.
“I can understand that because you’re talking about a world-class individual and player. He’s a wonderful footballer.
“To share a pitch with Coutinho was a great experience because he was on a level that few footballers are on. His imagination, his creation, and also some of the highlight reels are incredible. His name speaks for himself. But I can’t say any more than that.”
It is clear how Gerrard used his press conference. He made obvious how he felt about his former teammate and the bond they share. As said earlier, the opportunity for the pair to reunite is crucial in the deal and it should not be underestimated.
In his autobiography, Gerrard recalled a moment with Luis Suarez where the Liverpool captain promised he would take care of Coutinho. Years later, he is tasked with that duty once again.
Barcelona Free Wages
On the other side of the deal, Barcelona will also be happy with their negotiations. Fabrizio Romano reports that the West Midlands club will pay the main part of his salary which will free up much-needed wages.
It is likely as soon as the deal is confirmed, Ferran Torres, Barcelona’s latest signing, will be able to register for the club. The Catalan’s set out this window to off-load some players with high wages and they have accomplished part of that goal.
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