Coutinho completes Aston Villa loan move
Aston Villa have completed the loan signing of Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona after the Brazilian successfully obtained a work permit.
The Premier League club announced that the formalities of the transfer, which includes an option to buy, had now been processed.
“PhilippeCoutinhoarrived at Bodymoor Heath to complete his move to Aston Villa,” a club statement read.
“The Brazil international, 29, travelled straight to the club’s training complex having landed in Birmingham, coming after he successfully completedhismedicalandobtained a work permit.
“Coutinho will spend the rest of this season on loan at Villa Park from FC Barcelona, with the agreement including an option to buy.”
Barcelona confirmed Villa will pay part of Coutinho’s wages as he returns to the Premier League after four years and teams back up with former Liverpool team-mate Steven Gerrard.
Coutinho joined Barcelona from Liverpool in 2018 in a deal worth £146million, but has struggled at the Nou Camp and spent the 2019-20 season on loan at Bayern Munich.
Despite helping Barca win LaLiga in 2018 and 2019, he never found the form he displayed in the Premier League.
“It’s a pleasure to be here; it’sagreatclub,”Coutinhosaid.
“I spoke a lot with the manager, with Stevie, and he told me about the club and his ambitions. I’m very happy to be here and I’m looking to enjoy my football.”
Meanwhile, Lucas Digne is set for a medical at Villa after theyagreedafeewithEverton.
The left-back is poised to move to Villa Park for a fee of around£25million,itisunderstood.