Aston Villa complete Philippe Coutinho transfer as Barcelona take staggering £125m LOSS on Brazilian
ASTON VILLA have confirmed the permanent signing of loan star Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona – who have made a £125million LOSS on the Brazilian playmaker. Coutinho, 29, linked up with former Liverpool team-mate Steven Gerrard on a six-month loan in January. And he has greatly impressed as Villa’s No10 with four goals in 16 games […]
ASTON VILLA have confirmed the permanent signing of loan star Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona – who have made a £125million LOSS on the Brazilian playmaker.
Coutinho, 29, linked up with former Liverpool team-mate Steven Gerrard on a six-month loan in January.
And he has greatly impressed as Villa’s No10 with four goals in 16 games as he begun to recapture his old Anfield form.
Gerrard made no secret of his desire to make the midfielder’s loan permanent.
And after talks with Barcelona, Villa have now snapped up Coutinho on a long-term deal for just £17million.
It means Xavi’s side have taken a gargantuan loss on the superstar.
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Barca forked over an eye-watering £142m to sign Coutinho from Liverpool in January 2018.
But he failed to reach expectations, playing just 106 times while taking in a loan spell at Bayern Munich.
However, Coutinho is loving football again under Gerrard in the Midlands.
And his boss is thrilled Villa managed to complete a permanent deal before the end of the season.
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Gerrard beamed: “This is a brilliant signing for Aston Villa. Phil is a model professional and his impact on the group has been very clear since he joined in January.
“With the way he conducts himself on and off the pitch, he’s also a valuable role model for our younger players who can only benefit from his experience.
“As we look to build towards next season, it is incredible to work at a club that executes its business so decisively and smoothly.”