Aston Villa ready to exercise £33m Philippe Coutinho permanent transfer option with Barcelona after stunning loan spell

ASTON VILLA are reportedly looking to sign Philippe Coutinho on a permanent transfer.

The midfielder is currently on loan at the Villans from Barcelona until the end of the season.

Aston Villa are looking to sign Philippe Coutinho on a permanent deal

He has certainly made a positive impact since his arrival in January – registering three goals and three assists in seven Premier League games.

And now, Steven Gerrard is keen to keep his former Liverpool team-mate at the club.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Villa are looking to trigger his buy-out clause worth around £33million.

Romano tweeted: “Steven Gerrard would love to keep Philippe Coutinho at Aston Villa.

“Buy option clause available for €40m – board wants to wait until May and then make final decision, while they’re happy with Coutinho.”

Barcelona are reportedly keen to sell the 29-year-old star and are waiting for him to make a decision on his future.

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The ‘little magician’ joined the Spanish giants in 2018 for an eye-watering fee of £142million.

He did not have the desired impression upon his arrival and struggled to break into the starting line-up.

However, he recently admitted that he did not regret the move.

When speaking to ESPN, Coutinho said: “No I don’t regret it.

“In some moments you have to take decisions and one of my great dreams was to play at Barcelona.

“In that moment I decided to take that decision but always with a lot of love, respect and gratitude for Liverpool and my friendships there.

“But in that moment I had to take a decision and I don’t regret it.”

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By: Emillia Hawkins
Title: Aston Villa ready to exercise £33m Philippe Coutinho permanent transfer option with Barcelona after stunning loan spell
Sourced From: www.thesun.co.uk/sport/17891392/aston-villa-philippe-coutinho-permanent-transfer-barcelona/
Published Date: Wed, 09 Mar 2022 10:06:49 +0000