Former Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho has joined Aston Villa on a permanent transfer, the club has announced.
The Brazilian play-maker was brought to Villa Park by Steven Gerrard on loan during the January transfer window and has made a big impression with fans, scoring four goals in 16 appearances. Now Villa have struck a €20million four-year deal with the Catalan Giants, that includes a 50% sell on clause for any future sale of the player.
Coutinho's transfer back to the Premier League is a snip of what Barcelona paid Liverpool for the 29-year-old back in 2018, when he joined the La Liga club for an eye-watering £130million.
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Despite his heavy price-tag the former Inter Milan midfielder failed to make the desired impact at the Nou Camp and spent a year on loan with Bayern Munich before returning to Spain in a peripheral role.
Coutinho's confirmed move to Villa ends speculation that the former Kop favourite could make a dramatic return to Liverpool. Gerrard and Coutinho were teammates when the Reds came within an ace of ending the club's Premier League trophy drought in 2014.
Speaking to Villa's official club website, Gerrard said: “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.”
