Former Liverpool sensation Philippe Coutinho, whose departure from the club fetched a staggering £142 million in 2018, appears poised for another pivotal career move. Struggling to find form at Barcelona and later at Aston Villa, the Brazilian star is now on the brink of a contract cancellation with Villa, paving the way for a potential reunion with Vasco da Gama.
Coutinho, who spent the 2023-24 season on loan at Al-Duhail in Qatar, faced limited opportunities at Villa Park following the departure of manager Steven Gerrard, who initially brought him to the club from Barcelona in 2022. Now, with Villa reportedly ready to release him as a free agent, the 32-year-old looks set to return to his roots in Rio de Janeiro.
Beginning his career at Vasco da Gama before making his mark in Europe, Coutinho’s potential return to his boyhood club marks a significant turnaround in his football journey. Reports suggest advanced talks between the player and Vasco da Gama, indicating a strong likelihood of a reunion in the upcoming season.
More Read
Despite his high-profile move to Barcelona in 2018, Coutinho struggled to replicate his Liverpool form, prompting a loan move to Al-Duhail where he showcased glimpses of his talent with seven goals and three assists. However, a permanent move did not materialize, clearing the path for his potential move back to Brazil.
Villa’s decision to part ways with Coutinho comes as they prepare for Champions League football under Unai Emery, necessitating financial restructuring and potential player sales. Among those potentially on the move alongside Coutinho is Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz, who has garnered interest from Juventus.
As Coutinho prepares to embark on a new chapter with Vasco da Gama, his return to the club where it all began promises to be a poignant moment for both the player and his fans. With negotiations reportedly at an advanced stage, all signs point towards Coutinho’s imminent return to Brazilian football after a storied career in Europe.
