Aston Villa are reportedly set to provide Barcelona outcast Philippe Coutinho an avenue to return to the Premier League.
According to Goal, Aston Villa are among a host of teams interested in signing the Brazilian playmaker.
Barcelona are looking to offload Coutinho in order to free up wages to register potential new signings and the 29-year-old reportedly prefers a return to England over a move to Brazil.
Philippe Coutinho has struggled to live up to expectations following his blockbuster £142 million move to Barcelona in 2018. Injuries and poor form have limited his time on the pitch and he has started just 13 times in the last two league campaigns.
Aston Villa are eyeing a loan move for the Brazilian in January and have already made contact with his agent. But they could face stiff competition from the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Everton, and Newcastle United, who are all keeping tabs on Coutinho’s situation.
Can Philippe Coutinho revive his career at Aston Villa?
Coutinho transformed into one of the finest midfielders on the planet during his time in the Premier League with Liverpool. Current Villa manager Steven Gerrard witnessed first-hand what Coutinho was capable of, having played alongside the Brazilian at Liverpool. A return to the Premier League could be just what the former Inter Milan midfielder needs to revive his dwindling career.
Philippe Coutinho has the ability to operate as an attacking midfielder or as a wide player. The Brazilian is a speedy, agile dribbler who can beat defenders with his quick feet and silky skills. He has fantastic vision and can unlock defenses with accurate passes. Coutinho also has an eye for goal and can find the back of the net from any range.
Gerrard has turned Villa’s fortunes around since replacing Dean Smith, but he still needs reinforcements to help the team challenge for a top-half spot and better their prospects in the coming seasons. Coutinho could prove to be the perfect addition to the squad which has missed the explosive spark of someone like Jack Grealish.
Villa have also lacked cohesion going forward this season, with the likes of Emi Buendia struggling to shoulder the creative burden. Coutinho’s arrival could certainly alleviate some of their attacking woes and if he gets firing on all cylinders, the former Liverpool sensation can certainly propel them up the table.