Steven Gerrard has already told the Aston Villa board he would like to see Philippe Coutinho signed permanently in the summer.
That is according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, who was speaking on his YouTube channel with just nine games remaining on the Brazilian’s loan deal at Villa Park.
Do you want Coutinho to sign permanently?
Yes
No
Coutinho has made an impressive return to the Premier League with seven goal involvements in his opening 10 games in the top flight (via Transfermarkt).
Romano believes Gerrard’s side have the option to make Coutinho’s loan deal from Barcelona permanent for a fee in the region of €40m (£33.6m).
With less than 10 games remaining of the 2021/22 campaign for Villa, Romano provided an insight into where the Midlands club stand over Coutinho’s future.
He said: “Aston Villa have the chance to sign him with a buy option for €40m.
“What I can say to who’s asking if Coutinho will continue with Aston Villa: Steven Gerrard loves the player, it’s not a secret. He wants Coutinho to continue with Aston Villa. So Steven Gerrard told the board that he wants Coutinho to continue, he thinks that Coutinho could be perfect for [the] Aston Villa project, even in the next season.
“So Aston Villa know that Steven Gerrard wants him to stay. Now it’s up to Coutinho and [the] Aston Villa side to understand about the contract, because it’s true that they are already thinking about the salary, but nothing is still agreed on this side. So it’s still to be discussed. From what I’m told, it will be a topic like in April, in May – not now. Coutinho wants to take his time and then discuss with Aston Villa.”
TIF Thoughts on Romano’s comments…
Villa are currently in ninth spot in the table and Coutinho has certainly contributed to the goals since arriving from the La Liga giants in January.
Four goals and three assists is a healthy return for a player who joined Villa on the back of a turbulent spell in Spanish football with Barcelona where game time was hard to come by.
And if he is also hoping to remain at Villa ahead of next season, we think it would be a great addition given the likes of Emiliano Buendia have struggled to find their feet in the Premier League.
In other news: ‘I want to say…’ – Fabrizio Romano reveals worrying update at Aston Villa