According to Dean Jones, Aston Villa are in pole position to secure the permanent signing of Philippe Coutinho this summer.
Coutinho made the move to Villa from Barcelona on a temporary basis three months ago, a switch said to be greatly influenced by Steven Gerrard’s presence at Villa Park. So far, the Brazil international has four goals and three assists in 12 games for the Midlands outfit, and they have an option to buy him for £33m at the end of the season.
Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones revealed Villa are in the driving seat to capture the 29-year-old.
He said: “I think it’s important to understand that Coutinho is loyal to Gerrard and, at this point, Villa are very much in the driving seat to sign him.”
TIF Thoughts on Coutinho’s future…
If there were any doubts whether Coutinho still had the quality to perform in the Premier League, they were banished almost immediately following his return. He netted on his debut in the 2-2 draw with Manchester United, while he scored and provided two assists a couple of games later as Villa drew 3-3 at home to Leeds.
He has managed just two strikes in nine games since, but he appears to enjoy playing under his former Liverpool teammate Gerrard. The move to Barcelona didn’t work out for Coutinho – he appeared just 24 times in La Liga in the 18 months prior to his departure in January – and it only made sense for him to start afresh elsewhere.
Given his pedigree and personal trophy cabinet, there will surely be plenty of interest in the playmaker before next season begins. Gerrard, though, showed trust in the player and has allowed him to express himself. Villa are clearly not scared to splash the cash – only five clubs spent more last summer – and that ambition should allay any potential fears that they can’t be competitive towards the top half of the Premier League.
Even former teammate Glen Johnson has been singing the praises of the midfielder, as he described him as a ‘sensational player’ and ‘unbelievable’.
Would you like to sign Coutinho permanently?
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Gerrard is said to be looking to bring in Champions League-quality players, and Coutinho certainly fits that description. It remains to be seen where the former Inter man ends up.