Liverpool’s former “Little Magician” will finally be making a return to the Premier League; Philippe Coutinho has completed a loan move from Barcelona to Aston Villa until the end of the season.
Philippe Coutinho could ultimately have found his salvation station with Steven Gerrard and Aston Villa as he reaches the conclusive stages of his imminent switch from La Liga back to the Premier League.
As per reports, while Villa acquires his services for the next six months, they will pay the majority of his salary during his time at Villa Park. There have been no future reports of an option to buy if the loan move is a successful one for Coutinho.
All formalities should be complete in the next 48 hours, pending a medical and him obtaining a work permit, that is according to the club’s website.
"Aston Villa and FC Barcelona have agreed terms for Philippe Coutinho to spend the rest of this season on loan at Villa Park.The agreement, which is subject to the player completing a medical and receiving a work permit, also includes an option to buy and Philippe will travel to Birmingham in the next 48 hours. (Via: avfc.co.uk)"
Philippe Coutinho’s set to join Aston Villa on loan from Barcelona, done deal and here-we-go! Agreement completed after direct contact today morning 🇧🇷🤝 #AVFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 7, 2022
Loan until end of the season. Aston Villa will pay main part of the salary. Announcement today as per @tjuanmarti. #FCB pic.twitter.com/O4a93ftszY
Steven Gerrard was key in Philippe Coutinho decision to join Aston Villa
It should come as no surprise that the Liverpool connection between legend Steven Gerrard and Philippe Coutinho was the winning factor in him choosing Birmingham as his home for the next six months.
The pair had a brilliant relationship when they played together and Coutinho displayed some of his best football in the company of Stevie G — he will be hoping the presence of his old captain will help bring back his best form.
"Philippe Coutinho has chosen to join Aston Villa on loan from Barcelona. Agreement in place between clubs + with 29yo Brazil international creator. #AVFC boss & ex-#LFC team-mate Steven Gerrard was key. (Via: @David_Ornstein)"
If he does recapture his Premier League form that saw him make a club-record move to Camp Nou back in 2018, Aston Villa will have quite the attacker on their hands.
The 29-year-old Brazilian, in his 152 Premier League games for Liverpool (six seasons), scored 41 goals and assisted another 36. Something for all Villa fans to be excited about. The Villains take a trip to Old Trafford for a meeting with Manchester United in the FA Cup this Saturday.