Gerrard: We plan to sign Coutinho permanently
Cameron Smith
- 8 Mar 2022 21:50 GMT
- 3 min read
Steven Gerrard has confirmed that Aston Villa plan on signing Barcelona's Philippe Coutinho on a permanent deal this summer.
Coutinho, 29, joined Villa on loan in January, and after three goals and three assists in seven Premier League games for the club, he has convinced Gerrard to ask for him to be signed permanently.
Arriving on loan from Barcelona, a £33 million buy-clause was included in Coutinho's contract at Villa Park, which could activated by the Midlands club at the end of the season.
Gerrard and Coutinho played together at Liverpool, and the pair have reignited their relationship at Aston Villa.
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However, while Gerrard has been impressed, the decision lies at the feet of the board, according to the former Liverpool captain.
"Our forwards Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings want him because he delivers on the big stage," Gerrard told Sky Sports.
"The board are watching the games and will make the final decision, but Phil has shown so far what he is capable of.
"We have him back in good physical condition. I think he was at his old level against Southampton, and above it at times.
"The rest of the players have benefited from him. He’s settled and smiling, that’s what’s important.
"We want to make a move for him, because if we want to get where we want to be, we need to build a team around talents like Phil, because at his best, he’s a top-level player."
Will Barcelona sell Coutinho?
Coutinho's form for Aston Villa has been excellent, but with his contract at Barcelona expiring in 2023, a return to the Camp Nou seems unlikely.
The Brazilian joined the Catalan giants for a club record £146m from Liverpool in January 2018, but was loaned out to Bayern Munich for the 2019/20 season after struggling to make the desired impact at Barcelona.
He also made less than 700 minutes in La Liga last season, scoring twice, so a transfer away could be on the cards.
