Aston Villa have agreed on a deal with Barcelona for the permanent transfer of Philippe Coutinho.
The 29-year-old Brazilian midfielder joined the club on loan during the January transfer window and the Premier League side have now convinced the Spanish club to sell the player to them permanently.
According to a report from Fabrizio Romano, the two clubs have reached a complete agreement regarding a summer transfer and the move is set to be announced soon.
Apparently, Steven Gerrard was key to the move and the Aston Villa manager convinced the Brazilian to continue with the West Midlands club beyond this season.
Coutinho has been linked with the likes of Newcastle United as well.
The Brazilian has been quite impressive since joining the West Midlands club on loan and he will be hoping to continue to play at a high-level next season as well.
As for Barcelona, getting rid of the Brazilian makes a lot of sense for the Spanish club. Coutinho has failed to justify this massive transfer fee and it was about time Barcelona cut their losses on him.
It is evident that a return to the Premier League has helped restore some confidence for the Brazilian midfielder and it will be interesting to see whether he can recapture his best form next season.
Coutinho has played his best football in the Premier League with Liverpool and the way he has adapted to Aston Villa’s style of play suggests that he could be a key player for the West Midlands club next season.
The fans will certainly be delighted to hear that Aston Villa have finalised the transfer swiftly.
There were reports earlier this season that Villa had the option to make the move permanent for a fee of around £34m and it seems that the English club have taken up that opportunity.
