Plenty of eyebrows were raised when Aston Villa announced the loan capture of Barcelona’s Philippe Coutinho back in the January transfer window, and the vast majority of fans were hoping that we would trigger the reported permanent buy clause we had negotiated.
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) May 12, 2022
With mixed performances from the 29-year-old as he gets back up to speed and adjusts to his new teammates, we have definitely seen what he’s still capable of doing with a ball and his better games have seen him back in the Brazilian national squad.
With plenty of talk and speculation about other clubs supposedly sniffing around his buy clause, added to our form in general and talk we were trying to renegotiate our option, worries that he would slip through Steven Gerrard’s palms were allayed on Thursday evening at our End of Season Awards dinner as his capture was confirmed.
He has signed on until 2026.
Vital Villa’s Philippe Coutinho Forum Thread
It should be a massive statement to other players ahead of the summer, and Coutinho has already proven his worth with four goals and three assists in his 14 starts and two substitute appearances – so next season could well be promising with other players having pre-season to get on his wavelength.
The moment when Aston Villa CEO Christian Purslow confirmed the permanent signing of Philippe Coutinho! ✅ pic.twitter.com/wDF7hrQIyD
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) May 12, 2022
Get him and Emi Buendia singing from the same hymn sheet and it could be even better and understandably head coach Gerrard is delighted with the move and the backing he’s receiving.
“This is a brilliant signing for Aston Villa. Phil is a model professional and his impact on the group has been very clear since he joined in January. With the way he conducts himself on and off the pitch, he’s also a valuable role model for our younger players who can only benefit from his experience. As we look to build towards next season, it is incredible to work at a club that executes its business so decisively and smoothly.”
The show goes on… pic.twitter.com/1WYAnUV8gU
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) May 12, 2022
