According to transfer insider Dean Jones, Aston Villa could “pull the plug” on signing Philippe Coutinho from FC Barcelona permanently this coming summer transfer window.
The Brazilian is currently on loan at Aston Villa and if all the parties nod up and down, they will sign the loanee permanently. But Jones also mentioned that if his form doesn’t improve, Villa might opt to not buy him.
The latest news associating Coutinho
As per Birmingham Live, Villa is able to buy Coutinho for £33m at the end of his loan spell. He joined on a temporary deal from Barcelona back in January and made an immediate impact at Villa Park.
The 29-year-old scored on his debut against Manchester United. He followed that up with his goals against Leeds United and Southampton. He had a remarkable start to his comeback in England. In his first ten games, he had 7 goal contributions to his name, an excellent return.
But since April, he is going through a rough patch. His direct involvement has dried up, as he failed to score or assist in April. But Newcastle United, who are also interested in signing him, didn’t change their stance even after that.
Jones verdict on Villa and Coutinho
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the football journalist said:
“I think in the next four weeks, Coutinho needs to weigh in with some big performances on a personal level that convince Aston Villa that he’s absolutely worth signing.”
“If he doesn’t between now and the end of the season, I think they might hesitate and pull the plug.”
In short, Jones doesn’t see an opportunity where Steven Gerrard and Aston Villa will go for Coutinho in the summer if his form doesn’t improve.
Should Villa go for Coutinho even if his form doesn’t improve?
It’s true that Coutinho’s recent drought is unexpected given the way he started with a smash for the Midlands club. However, the 29-year-old possesses enough quality and excelled previously with Liverpool in Premier League itself. If Gerrard thinks the attacking midfielder will make Villa better next season, they can surely “pull the plug”.
