Aston Villa will be seriously considering the option of making Philippe Coutinho’s loan move permanent at the end of the campaign, according to Dean Jones.
The journalist was speaking on the latest episode of Touchline Talk to discuss the Brazilian’s future after an impressive start to life at Villa Park.
Should Villa sign Coutinho permanently?
Yes
No
Coutinho joined in January and has been able to hit the ground running with four goals and three assists in his opening eight Premier League appearances (via Transfermarkt).
It is believed the option for Steven Gerrard’s men to make the midfielder’s move permanent from Barcelona is worth around £33m.
With the 29-year-old adapting quickly upon his return to the Premier League, speaking prior to Villa’s 3-0 win over Leeds United in midweek, Jones had the following to say about a potential permanent move in the summer:
“I think other teams will come to the table for Coutinho, but I think he’s going to be very, very tempted to stay at Aston Villa now that he’s found somewhere that feels like home.
“Having Steven Gerrard as his manager will help no end. And I think that Aston Villa will seriously be contemplating now taking up this option to buy. I think it’s about £33m or something like that. To sign this Coutinho at that value seems absolutely fine.”
TIF Thoughts on Coutinho’s future…
If Coutinho is able to end the campaign in the same manner as he has begun life at Villa, we can imagine Gerrard wanting to make the deal permanent.
The Brazilian has already made a greater impression at Villa Park than Emi Buendia and Leon Bailey, who were both purchased during the summer window.
And it is apparent the midfielder is keen to work under Steven Gerrard, while it seems the Villa manager would also like to make the move permanent at the end of the season.
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