Aston Villa are said to be open to Philippe Coutinho’s exit this summer, with reported interest coming from Saudi Arabia.
31-year-old Brazilian Philippe Coutinho is said to be a target for clubs in Saudi Arabia amid the current spending spree by the league.
This link has more backing than most, however, given ex-Villa boss and Coutinho’s former teammate Steven Gerrard is the manager interested.
Gerrard has recently became the new boss of Saudi side Al Ettifaq, and appears keen to bring a familiar face with him.
The link comes in a report by the Daily Express who say that a move for the midfielder to Saudi Arabia is a “strong possibility”
The report says Coutinho is currently with a fitness coach in Brazil. That coach allegedly has ties to Saudi Arabia, regularly working with players from Al Hilal and Al Ittihad.
It is believed that this could be a move all parties favour, with Villa reportedly “open to his departure.”
Does Philippe Coutinho moving to Saudi Arabia make sense?
Given the amount of players from Europes top five leagues who had made the move already, yes it makes sense.
Coutinho missed the final three months of last season due to injury with his final appearance being in February against Arsenal.
Due to Unai Emery’s seemingly grand plans for the club. The Brazilian count be further limited next season, with other players far above him now.
Therefore it is increasingly likely he moves away, with Birmingham Live adding ‘interest continues to grow’.
A move to work with Gerrard again makes perfect sense, given the Liverpool legend’s clear admiration for the midfielder’s talents.
Gerrard once went so far as labelling Coutinho as “world-class” and described him as “a wonderful footballer.”
His departure could also be a nice pay-day for Villa who might be keen to trim the squad with more incomings expected.
