Journalist Pete O’Rourke reports that Aston Villa are ready to make Philippe Coutinho‘s move permanent from Barcelona. The Villans took Coutinho on-loan from the Catalans in the winter transfer window until the end of the season. However, Barcelona have included a buy option in the deal, which Aston Villa are planning to trigger. A move back to the premier league has rejuvenated the Brazilian winger, who is more than happy at Aston Villa under Gerrard.
Apart from a permanent move, Aston Villa are also speculated to hand in Coutinho a lucrative contract. O’Rourke further reports that Villa could offer Coutinho a salary of £200k-per-week, even making him the best paid among the current squad. So far, Coutinho has restarted his premier league career in a blistering manner. It’s no surprise Steven Gerrard wants him permanently at Aston Villa.
Gerrard pushing Aston Villa for Coutinho’s signing
Philippe Coutinho is finally enjoying playing football again, thanks to Aston Villa and Gerrard. The Villa manager who is also Coutinho’s former teammate showed no hesitance in bringing him to the Midlands club. Coutinho was not at his best when arriving from Barca, but has turned it around for Aston Villa. The creative player has so far scored 4 and assisted 3 for Villa in just 10 appearances.
The buy option in Coutinho’s loan move to Villa stands at £33million. The premier league side is ready to pay that amount, and offer a £200k-per-week salary to Coutinho on top of that. Though Aston Villa will have to break their bank for the same, the club administration is prepared to do so. O’Rourke while speaking to GIVEMESPORT said,
“There are a few players at Villa on over £100,000-a-week. You would probably think that Coutinho will be edging closer to £200,000-a-week or just below that”.
Competition heating up for Coutinho’s signature
While Steven Gerrard may be confident that Coutinho sign for Aston Villa, other clubs are in contention for the Brazilian’s signing as well. Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and West Ham United are also said to be the interested parties. Mikel Arteta is a long-time admirer of Coutinho and even tried to sign him over the past few transfer windows. Arsenal may fight for the Brazilian this summer along with Tottenham and West Ham.
But Coutinho is ready for a move as his Barcelona career looks over. The Catalans are in dire need of money, and off-loading one of their best-paid players could help the cause. Coutinho earns a massive £380,000-per-week at Barcelona. As per the new La Liga rules, Barcelona are not eligible to register new players anymore unless some departures are facilitated. And Coutinho occupies the top spot of the Catalans’ outgoing list.
£200,000-a-week at Aston Villa is certainly a significant pay-cut on what Coutinho makes at Barcelona. But the Brazilian is ready to sacrifice it for regular playing time at Aston Villa, and a manager in Steven Gerrard who counts on him. Moreover, his £200,000-a-week pay-cheque would make him the highest earner at Aston Villa as well.
Follow us on Twitter for regular football updates.
For more sports updates, make sure to follow us on: