Aston Villa Completes Permanent Philippe Coutinho Transfer to Vasco da Gama

Aston Villa have confirmed that Philippe Coutinho has completed a permanent transfer to Brazilian club Vasco da Gama, where he spent the previous season on loan. The 33-year-old midfielder initially joined Villa on loan from Barcelona in January 2022 before signing a permanent £17 million deal later that year, making 43 appearances and scoring six goals for the club. Coutinho spent the 2023-24 season on loan at Qatari side Al-Duhail before returning to Vasco da Gama on loan last season, where he made 25 to 31 appearances and scored five goals. Villa thanked Coutinho for his contributions and wished him well as he returns to his boyhood club on a one-year contract. Coutinho's career highlights include a £142 million move to Barcelona in 2018, a successful spell at Liverpool, and winning the Bundesliga and Champions League with Bayern Munich on loan. His time at Villa was mixed, with a strong initial impact followed by limited appearances and multiple loans, culminating in his permanent departure.