According to reports, Premier League side Aston Villa have opened talks with Spanish giants Barcelona for the permanent signing of Brazilain star Philippe Coutinho.
Philippe Coutinho has looked like his old self after joining Aston Villa on loan in the January transfer window. Coutinho was really highly rated during his time with Liverpool in the Premier League. But his big-money move to Barcelona back in January 2018. The Spanish outfit paid a reported fee of close to €160 million for the Brazilian midfielder.
Coutinho made a total of 106 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona, In this time he recorded a disappointing 25 goals and 14 assists. Not quite the stats you expect from a €160 million man. But he has really shined after joining Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa. He has recorded four goals and three assists from 10 appearances for Steven Gerrard’s side. (stats via Transfermakrt)
According to reports, Aston Villa are paying a part of the Brazilian midfielder’s salary. On top of that, the Premier League side have an option to make the loan move permanent in the summer for a reported fee of £33 million. Premier League giants Arsenal are also interested in signing Philippe Coutinho next summer.
Aston Villa open talks with Barcelona for Philippe Coutinho?
90min.com have reported that Steven Gerrard‘s Aston Villa have opened talks with Barcelona to sign Philippe Coutinho in the summer. Aston Villa are keen to negotiate with Barcelona to get the reported price tag of £33 million lower.
While Barcelona manager Xavi is keen to let go of Coutinho in the summer to reduce the club’s wage bill. While Stevan Gerrard will be hoping that he can convince the Brazilain midfielders to join the Premier League outfit.
Talking in a recent post-match interview about the chances to sign Philippe Coutinho on permanent bases next summer, Steven Gerrard said:
“I think you all know what my decision would be,” “I think you all know what I think of him but this is not as straightforward as people think.”
“There is obviously an option in place, Barcelona still own the player. “Phil has got to obviously want to be here in terms of the big picture but he is enjoying his football and looks happy and settled.
“I know the owners are very ambitious, so we will just analyse it as we go along. “But if it was totally on me and it was my cash you know what I would do.”
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