Aston Villa has started negotiations with FC Barcelona to sign Coutinho on a loan.
Phillipe has struggled with the Spanish outfit and is now way behind in Xavi’s pecking order. The recent performance of youngsters in the club has certainly reduced Coutinho’s gametime.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal and Everton are also interested in him but Aston Villa is leading the race.
Furthermore, Coutinho is also open to joining the Premier League to boost his chances of making the 2022 World Cup. Aston Villa is looking for a six-month loan deal for Coutinho where he can reunite with former Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard.
Will Coutinho adapt quickly to the Premier League?
Phillipe has played before in the Premier League when he was with Liverpool. In his first season with Liverpool[2013/14], he had a slow start because of an injury. Despite this, he scored 5 goals and 7 assists that season, including a match-winner against Manchester City. The following season he stepped up for the Scousers and showed more of his brilliant creativity.
In the 2016/17 season, Coutinho scored 13 goals and had 7 assists. Under Klopp, he played a deeper role to provide creativity.
It is sure that the Brazilian possesses the skill set to play once again in the Premier League but maybe not the same fitness levels.
Ever since leaving Liverpool, Coutinho has had a bad injury record. Since joining the Culérs, he has been injured seven times throughout 3 seasons. The longest time he has been injured is for 220 days back in the 20/21 season.
Despite making a recovery, he is way below the pecking order now at Barcelona. Coutinho, unfortunately, contracted the COVID 19 virus as well, which is a well-known deterrent for stamina levels. Surely he will not start for Aston Villa but with training, he can get back to his old Premier League form again.
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