PHIL YOUR BOOTS
Aston Villa have Philippe Coutinho loan transfer offer accepted by Barcelona with club set to confirm deal today
ASTON VILLA have announced Barcelona outcast Philippe Coutinho will join the club on loan for the remainder of the season.
The Brazilian has struggled for game time since joining the Catalan giants for £145million in 2018.
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This term, Coutinho has just two goals in 16 games for Barca, who have been trying to shift him off the books for some time.
And now, Coutinho will link-up with former Liverpool team-mate Steven Gerrard at Villa.
The 29-year-old will join on an initial six-month loan.
Villa beat off a host of competition from both in the Premier League and in Europe.
Arsenal, Tottenham, Everton and Newcastle had been linked with the former Liverpool star.
Soon-to-be boss Gerrard described Coutinho as a 'wonderful footballer'.
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Speaking on the transfer ahead of official confirmation, Gerrard said: "He’s a wonderful footballer, to share a dressing room and a pitch with Coutinho was an absolute pleasure because he is on a level that very few footballers are on.
"His imagination, his creativity, some of the highlight reels are incredible and there for all to see.
"I think the name speaks for itself."
Brazilian legend Rivaldo says the deal works well for both parties, especially Coutinho who'll want to play in this year's World Cup.
Speaking to Betfair, Rivaldo said: "Philippe Coutinho looked to be definitely out of Barcelona's plans after Xavi's arrival, and if some months ago I was still encouraging and hoping that he could finally prove his value at the club, that time has now passed, with the confirmation of his loan deal to Aston Villa.
"He wasn't lucky at Barcelona and his return to the Premier League could be crucial for him, especially in a World Cup year.
"His quality is undeniable and if he recovers his confidence he could still get a place in the Brazil World Cup squad as Tite likes him and will always keep an eye on him.
"So, this move to Aston Villa - where he will team up with his former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard - is great news that might reopen the doors in a league in which he played the best football of his career.
"It's sad that it didn't work out for Coutinho at Barcelona but his move to Villa will now suit both parties."
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