What next for Philippe Coutinho? Forgotten ex-Liverpool & Barcelona star in talks over resolving Aston Villa future

Posted Thursday, May 23, 2024 by Goal.com

Forgotten Aston Villa star Philippe Coutinho is in talks with the club over terminating his contract early ahead of a possible return to Brazil.

WHAT HAPPENED?
The Brazilian is contracted to Aston Villa until 2026 but is in negotiations with the club to terminate his deal early as he is not in manager Unai Emery's plans for the future, according to UOL. Coutinho is back at the club after a season-long loan to Qatari side Al Duhail, who also declined the option of extending his contract.

THE BIGGER PICTURE
If Coutinho does manage to part ways with Villa he is hopeful of completing a move back to boyhood club Vasco. Such a transfer would complete a remarkable fall from grace for the Brazilian, who left South America in 2008 for Inter. Coutinho moved on to Liverpool where he starred for the Reds in the Premier League. A big-money switch to Barcelona followed but Coutinho couldn't reproduce the magic in Catalunya that made him such a hit on Merseyside. The playmaker eventually headed back to the Premier League with Villa but fizzled out after a bright start to life in Birmingham.

WHAT COUTINHO HAS SAID
Coutinho has insisted he has few regrets over his career despite failing to live up to expectations at Barcelona. He told Diario Sport: "No. I am satisfied with my career. Many people think whether it is good or bad, but I am satisfied with myself, I know what I represent, what I can do, I know who I am and this is the most important thing for me."

WHAT NEXT FOR COUTINHO
Coutinho's time at Villa looks to be up and a summer exit may well be best for both parties if an agreement can be reached. Emery's side have finished a strong campaign in fourth place in the Premier League to secure Champions League football for the first time in the club's history.