Philippe Coutinho is set to return to Brazilian club Vasco da Gama imminently. The nature of the deal has now been clarified by Fabrizio Romano, who has revealed that the move will be a season-long loan.
Aston Villa and Coutinho were in talks for a mutual termination of his contract, but the negotiations have not been fruitful since the Brazilian side cannot afford his wages. As a result, Villa will loan out the midfielder for the coming season to get them off their books.
Philippe Coutinho to return to Vasco da Gama on loan
⚪️⚫️💢 Philippe Coutinho from Aston Villa on loan to Vasco da Gama, it's imminent. pic.twitter.com/VABPY5BzvS
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 4, 2024
The former Barcelona and Liverpool player spent this past season on loan at Qatari side Al Duhail, scoring seven goals and providing three assists. He originally signed for Villa in winter 2022, but eventually fell out of favour at the club.
As one of the top earners on Villa’s books with a wage worth £135,000 per week while not being in Unai Emery’s plans, Philippe Coutinho poses a significant problem for the Clarets.
And as things stand, delaying a final decision on his future till next summer seems like the best option for all parties involved. Villa need to comply with PSR and have already been forced to sell Douglas Luiz to balance their books.
