Aston Villa

Aston Villa: Kevin Campbell claims club could ‘cash in’ on Coutinho

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Image for Aston Villa: Kevin Campbell claims club could ‘cash in’ on Coutinho

Kevin Campbell has stated that Aston Villa could well look to cash in on Philippe Coutinho.

Campbell spoke to Football Insider about the Brazilian, he stated that manager Unai Emery has managed to improve things without him in the side.

Coutinho has made 12 appearances for Villa this season and is yet to register a goal or an assist in the Premier League.

The midfielder joined on loan in January of last season from Barcelona. In the summer he signed for Aston Villa permanently for a fee of £17 million.

The price of Coutinho has certainly not been worth it this season based on his stats.

Campbell thinks Emery may look to get the player off his wage books.

He stated, “Unai Emery got a tune out of Villa without Coutinho in the side.

“He’s a high earner, and if he’s not going to play – it could be a recipe for disaster.

“All it takes though is one injury for Coutinho to come back in, and come in to a team full of confidence. That could change things for him.

“If he’s not playing, and not in the plans of Emery – then he’s not an asset, and Emery will be looking for a way to cash in and get that big wage off the books.”

TIF’s view on Campbell’s comments…

We believe that Emery should look to offload Coutinho. However, he should be given until the end of the season, the midfielder should get a chance to prove himself.

On his day, there’s no doubt that Coutinho is an absolutely class player, his time at Liverpool speaks for itself.

Emery has only been at Villa for a month. So, it’s likely he’s still working out his strongest starting XI. Should Coutinho prove himself in the second-half of the season, perhaps the manager could see him as an important asset.

However, should he not deliver, then Villa should look to sell him come the summer. His underwhelming form means that the fee for him won’t be that high.

Having said that, the Brazilian is on a high wage at the club. It could open up options for Villa to bring in new recruits come the summer window.

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