Aston Villa's £125k-a-week star seeks permanent move, negotiations underway

Philippe Coutinho has expressed his strong desire to return to his boyhood club, Vasco da Gama, after a 14-year absence. The 31-year-old, who left the Rio de Janeiro-based club for Inter Milan in 2010, is eager to make the move back home, with negotiations already underway, as reported by ESPN.

Vasco da Gama's president, Pedrinho, has confirmed the existence of talks regarding Coutinho's potential return. However, the negotiations have been complicated by an ongoing legal battle between the club and 777 Partners over control of Vasco da Gama. The resolution of this dispute will have significant implications for the transfer, as it directly impacts the club's ability to negotiate with Coutinho and his representatives.

Currently on loan at Qatari side Al-Duhail, Coutinho is set to return to Aston Villa in the summer. However, Villa's manager, Unai Emery, has made it clear that the Brazilian midfielder does not feature in his plans for the upcoming season. With a contract running until June 2026, Aston Villa is actively seeking a permanent solution for the £125,000-per-week player.

During his loan spell at Al-Duhail, Coutinho has showcased his talent, scoring six goals and providing three assists in 21 matches across various competitions. Despite his impressive performances, his future at Aston Villa remains uncertain, with the club keen to offload him permanently.

Interestingly, the discussions with Vasco da Gama are being conducted by individuals close to Coutinho, at his request, rather than his agent, Giuliano Bertolucci. This unusual arrangement highlights Coutinho's personal commitment to securing a move back to his former club, where he hopes to reignite his career and reconnect with his roots.

Philippe Coutinho seeks permanent move, negotiations underway

For Aston Villa, offloading Coutinho could provide an opportunity to strengthen other areas of the squad. The funds generated from his potential sale could be reinvested to enhance the team's overall performance.

Given Coutinho's struggles with fitness and consistency in recent years, a move away from Villa Park appears to be in the best interest of both the player and the club.

As negotiations continue between Vasco da Gama and Aston Villa, the football world eagerly awaits the outcome of Philippe Coutinho's bid to return to his boyhood club. The resolution of legal and financial issues will be crucial in determining whether this dream becomes a reality.

Coutinho's desire to don the Vasco da Gama shirt once again is clear, and fans will be hoping that a solution can be found to facilitate this move. For now, all eyes are on the ongoing discussions, as one of Brazil's most talented midfielders seeks to write a new chapter in his career.