In a recent print edition, Sport stated that Aston Villa have a €40m buying option for Philippe Coutinho who is currently playing on loan from Barcelona. It is believed that the Villans have the option to sign the Brazilian playmaker permanently when his loan spell comes to an end in the summer.
Coutinho’s Decent Return To Life In English Football
Coutinho has made a positive start to his time at Villa Park as he has managed to put in some influential displays for Steven Gerrard’s side in the final third. The 29-year-old has been involved in 11 matches for the West Midlands side this season, netting four goals and grabbing three assists across various competitions.
The Rio de Janeiro-born talent has proven his worth as a valuable presence in the opposition half based on his average of 2.5 shots, 1.4 key passes and 1.5 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Premier League. He has even been careful when distributing possession in the attacking third of the field, based on his pass completion rate of 83.6% in the English first division (stats via whoscored).
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Should Aston Villa Boss Steven Gerrard Sign Coutinho Permanently This Summer?
Coutinho can strike the ball with power and precision which still makes him such a potent goal threat from long range. He has got the eye to play a killer pass in the final third and remains an excellent dribbler with the ball at his feet.
The 68-time Brazil international has contributed by scoring and creating some important goals for the Villans over the past couple of months. Hence, it is only logical for Gerrard to recruit Coutinho permanently when his loan contract runs out at the end of this campaign.
The South American playmaker has got what it takes to help Aston Villa push for a European place in the coming seasons. At 29, he still has plenty of football left in him and could still serve as a valuable first-team player at Villa Park for a few more years. With all things considered, the West Midlands club should think about acquiring the services of Coutinho permanently for €40m when the transfer window reopens later this summer.
