Philippe Coutinho: Barcelona player joins Aston Villa permanently
Last updated on .From the section Aston Villa
Aston Villa have signed former Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho on a permanent deal from Barcelona.
The Brazilian, 29, moved to Villa Park on loan in January in a deal which included an option to buy at the end of the season.
He has now signed on a contract running until 2026 for 20m euros (£17m) and is understood to have taken a considerable wage cut from his deal in Spain.
"This is a brilliant signing for Aston Villa," said manager Steven Gerrard.
"Phil is a model professional and his impact on the group has been very clear since he joined in January.
"With the way he conducts himself on and off the pitch, he's also a valuable role model for our younger players who can only benefit from his experience.
"As we look to build towards next season, it is incredible to work at a club that executes its business so decisively and smoothly."
Coutinho has scored four goals and provided three assists at Villa, although none of those have come in his past eight games.
He joined Barcelona in a £142m move from Liverpool in January 2018 and had 12 months to run on his contract.
Gerrard, who was Coutinho's captain at Liverpool, made it clear after Saturday's impressive 3-1 win at Burnley that he wanted to sign Coutinho permanently.
Coutinho scored 54 goals in 201 appearances for Liverpool, who he joined in a £8.5m move from Inter Milan in January 2013.
He scored 26 goals in 106 appearances for Barcelona.
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Pay in excess of £140M for him and get rid for £17M. Couldn't happen to a nicer club.
Villa have got a quality player for the money by the way. Congrats to them.
Today we sign Coutinho and have a talented squad including 2 current Brazil and 2 current Argentina internationals.
That's progress; well done NSWE, SG (and Deano's regime for getting us back on track).
Is it just me?
Well I guess he was for Liverpool... Cost 8.5M, was sold for 142M.
That's magic!
This is a great start to the summer transfer window. Now let's get Kalvin Phillips signature.
UTV
Well, sup it up and enjoy every last drop guys, for a club in Villa's position at this price this is a bonkers signing, less than Newcastle paid for Chris Woods. Give him a full pre season and he'll be flying next season,much more consistent Also sends a positive message to Villa's other transfer targets
Has looked average for the last 2.
Give him a full pre season,and hopefully we will see the Old Coutinho.
Not a Villa or Liverpool fan,but he was great to watch in his pomp.
I hope he finds some happiness at Villa, which I'm sure he will having a sense of feeling wanted.
As a neutral Grimsby fan it's great to have as many of these players in our game.
Plus we him to thank for bankrolling LFC's Allison and Van Dijk otherwise we'd be watching the oil money at City hoovering up everything unchallenged for years to come.
Favourite current villa park chant
Welcome Phil, if this is the calibre of player Gerrard can attract, then it’s happy times ahead at the Villa!
Love these owners, no messing around or dragging Thier feet.
We have now got a true replacement for Jack with Emi and Ramsey as well as John McGinn we have the blue print for one of the strongest villa midfields in many a year.
Kalvin Philips is the only missing piece now.