Philippe Coutinho remains likely to move on from Aston Villa this summer.
According to reporter Alex Crook, speaking to GiveMeSport, Philippe Coutinho remains a favourite to depart from Aston Villa in this transfer window, as “he is wanted” by clubs in Saudi Arabia.
Coutinho was introduced as a substitute in Aston Villa’s opening day defeat against Newcastle United, but he is unlikely to feature heavily in Unai Emery’s plans for the season. However, the injury to Emiliano Buendia might have opened the door for Coutinho to get some extra minutes for the club.
Ultimately, though, Coutinho isn’t going to be a star at Villa Park this season. The 31-year-old only managed seven Premier League starts last season, and his £125,000-a-week wages are a drain on the club’s resources. It makes sense for Villa to move Coutinho on this summer if they can, and Saudi Arabia represent an ideal destination as there are the funds in that league available to comfortably take on the player’s salary.
Coutinho and Aston Villa ready to part ways
There is no doubting Coutinho’s natural talent. However, the Brazilian hasn’t been able to perform consistently at his best in years. He was a star during his time at Liverpool, but his career quickly went off the rails following his £142 million switch to Barcelona.
Coutinho rediscovered some form during his initial loan spell with Aston Villa, but couldn’t maintain his ability to regularly influence matches after making his move to Villa Park a permanent one last summer, as fitness issues took their toll.
Emery is looking to maintain Aston Villa’s upward trajectory this season, having led the Midlands outfit to Europa Conference League qualification last time out. Coutinho isn’t part of the Aston Villa future that the Spanish coach is currently building towards. It would be best for all parties if the 68-cap Brazil international were to find pastures new this summer.
