Aston Villa transfer completion ‘very close’ after dramatic U-turn

Aston Villa midfielder Philippe Coutinho is finally very close to completing his transfer to Brazilian club Vasco da Gama, though the deal is in a different format than first expected.

The Brazilian looked set to be ending his Villa nightmare by seeing his contract until 2026 mutually terminated before heading to Vasco on a permanent basis, but the situation has now changed as Coutinho will only be signing for Vasco temporarily.

Expected to be announced imminently, Coutinho will join Vasco on loan for the rest of the 2024/25 season. The Brazilian Serie A has already begun with 14 games already played, so Coutinho will conclude the campaign with Vasco before the next steps are decided.

A permanent deal could potentially follow but Villa, as it stands, will hold onto the ownership rights of the player. Regardless of it being a loan or not, it’s a romantic homecoming as the Coutinho broke through at Vasco, a team currently 14th out of 20 in the top flight.

It’s unfortunate it never worked out for the former Liverpool favourite at Villa Park after he arrived a global superstar. The 31-year-old impressed during an initial loan as he netted five and assisted three in 19 games but he failed to meet expectations when signed permanently, as just one goal in 22 games followed.

Signing for Vasco is an admittance his time in elite European football is over - at least for now - but it’s a good move. Not only is he back in his home surroundings, but the chance to regain some form and consistent fitness could open up opportunities at the twilight end of his career.

It’s a beneficial decision for Villa, too, as Coutinho’s £135,000-a-week wages will now be off the books for the season.