Coutinho completes permanent transfer from Barcelona to Aston Villa

FT Desk

• Updated: 13 May 2022 08:34 BST
• 3 min read

Aston Villa have completed the permanent signing of Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho on a four-year deal.

The Brazilian joined the Villains from Barcelona in a temporary deal in the January transfer window as he hoped to reignite his career which had stalled in La Liga.

And now, a deal has been agreed that will see Coutinho join Villa permanently this summer.

Villa's head coach Steven Gerrard said in an official club statement: "This is a brilliant signing for Aston Villa. Phil is a model professional and his impact on the group has been very clear since he joined in January.

“With the way he conducts himself on and off the pitch, he’s also a valuable role model for our younger players who can only benefit from his experience.

“As we look to build towards next season, it is incredible to work at a club that executes its business so decisively and smoothly.”

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In his time at Villa Park, the 29-year-old has scored four goals and registered three assists in 16 appearances – a respectable return for a player looking to return to his best form.

Aston Villa have signed Philippe Coutinho

Villa had an option to make the stay a permanent one included in the loan deal, but spent time negotiating to bring down the €40 million asking price.

Barcelona have been trying for a number of years now to offload the ex-Inter man, who has largely struggled to adapt to life at the Camp Nou since signing for them in January 2018 in a club-record deal.

Since then, Coutinho has played a season on loan at Bayern Munich, where he ended up winning the treble, but wasn't able to replicate that form during his time in Spain.

Villa manager Gerrard made it clear that he wants Coutinho to stay beyond this campaign and that wish has been granted.

Coutinho’s contract at Barcelona was set to expire in 2023, so Barca were even more willing to sell him this summer in order to recoup some of the €145m they paid for him.

Although Aston Villa have reported it's an undisclosed fee, Barcelona have revealed the Premier League side will pay €20m for Coutinho. Gerard Romero has reported that Barcelona will retain 50 per cent of the player’s rights.