PL news: Aston Villa sign Philippe Coutinho on loan
Aston Villa have announced that they have agreed to sign Philippe Coutinho on loan.
The deal is subject to a medical and a work permit being granted and includes an option to buy the former Liverpool player.
Coutinho joined Barcelona in a £142m move from Liverpool in January 2018. His impact at the club hasn't been great, scoring only 26 goals in 106 appearances.
Villa boss Steven Gerrard described his former team-mate as a special footballer recently. The pair were key parts of a Liverpool side who fell just short of winning the Premier League back in 2014.
(YouTube video from Sports Fan's News)
More Reaction
Steven Gerrard said: "I don't think you get a nickname as a magician if you're not a special footballer."
"I don't think you get a nickname as a 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗻 if you're not a special footballer." ✨
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) January 7, 2022
Steven Gerrard on Philippe Coutinho, who has agreed terms to spend the rest of this season on loan at Villa Park, with an option to buy. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/BFbxhGLxkR
One Villa fan added: "This is a great signing for us. It shows that we are capable of bringing some big players in. Hopefully, this is the first of a few key signings."
Coutinho returns to the Premier League
Coutinho signed for Liverpool during the 2012/2013 season. Throughout his time there, he scored 54 goals in 201 appearances. This form earned him a move to Barcelona during the 2017/2018 campaign.