Villa get real Cout price deal for Phil
BARCELONA are still paying more than half of Philippe Coutinho’s wages even though he’s signed for Aston Villa on loan.
The Brazil midfielder has linked up with close pal and former team- mate Steven Gerrard until the end of the season.
Barcelona paid a staggering £ 146m to Liverpool for Coutinho in 2018 but he’s never managed to hold down a regular place with the Catalans.
They just want him off their books and Villa have the option to make the move permanent at the end of the season. But they are paying less than half his wages until then.
Villa are still coughing up a hefty £ 125,000 per week and it will cost £ 30m to keep Coutinho at Villa Park.
The 29- year- old seems an ideal signing with Gerrard’s side still struggling to replace Jack Grealish who left for Manchester City last summer.
System
Coutinho wants to hit the ground running as he battles to win a place in Brazil’s squad for this year’s World Cup in Qatar.
Gerrard plays a similar system to Liverpool and it should suit his new signing who can play out wide or through the middle.
Villa are now trying to get Coutinho’s work permit sorted in time to face Manchester United on Saturday.
Gerrard played alongside the Brazil ace for three years and they formed a midfield partnership when the Reds finished second in the 2014 title race. And
the Villa boss is delighted with his first signing in the job.
He said: “He’s a wonderful footballer,.
“To share a dressing room and a pitch with Coutinho was an absolute pleasure because he is on a level that very few footballers are on.
“His imagination, his creativity, some of the highlight reels are incredible and there for all to see.
“I think the name speaks for itself. He is a serial winner wherever he goes.
“He’s won 63 caps for Brazil, played for Barcelona and was incredible at Liverpool.
“I don’t think you get a nickname of ‘ The Magician’ if you’re not a special footballer.”
Coutinho may not be the last arrival of this window.
Villa are interested in Burnley stopper James Tarkowski but will have to fight off Newcastle for the England centre- back.
Gerrard also wants Joe Gomez but Liverpool won’t let him leave this month.