In a recent report, UOL mentioned that Aston Villa playmaker Philippe Coutinho is close to a move to Saudi Arabia with Al-Duhail eager to snap him up this month. It is understood that the Saudi club as well as Besiktas are trying to sign the Brazilian talent from the Villans.
Coutinho’s Difficult Season At Villa Park
Coutinho endured a tough campaign with the West Midlands club as he struggled to make a positive impact for them in the Premier League. The Brazilian sensation scored just one goal in 22 matches for the Villans last season across multiple competitions.
The 31-year-old made most of his appearances off the bench but did well to average 1.1 shots and 0.7 dribbles per game in Premier League football. He even interchanged possession with his teammates well after completing 78.5% of his attempted passes in the English first division (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at Villa Park will expire in the summer of 2026. Hence, there is no immediate need for Unai Emery to let Coutinho leave the Midlands club.
Should Aston Villa Boss Unai Emery Let Coutinho Go This Month?
Coutinho remains an excellent dribbler with the ball. He can shoot the ball purely and with venom from long range and has got the eye to play a few clever passes on the attacking end of the field.
Coutinho is primarily a left-sided wide player but can also operate as a right-winger or play in the number ten position if told to do so by his manager. However, the Brazilian talent has been quite injury-prone during his time at Villa Park. Plus, he has struggled to score or create goals for the Villans over the past 12 months.
Thus, it makes sense for Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery to let Coutinho go this month as he is surplus to requirements at the West Midlands club. At 31, he is a player on the decline and is prone to injuries.
Aston Villa can benefit from using the funds generated from Coutinho’s potential sale to strengthen other areas of their match-day squad in the future. With all things considered, Emery would be wise to cut him loose with both the Saudi Arabian and the Turkish transfer windows still open.
