Philippe Coutinho, a key player for Aston Villa, is reportedly on the verge of joining Qatari side Al Duhail. While the Brazilian forward has already reached an agreement with the Qatari club, the move is still pending approval from Aston Villa. Coutinho’s journey began when he joined Villa on loan from Barcelona in the middle of the 2021-2022 season. This loan was eventually converted into a permanent signing for the 2022-2023 season. However, despite Villa’s qualification for the UEFA Europa Conference League, Coutinho struggled with form and injuries, managing just one goal in 22 games.
The potential move to Al Duhail has raised questions about Villa’s considerations. Although an agreement seems to be in place, Villa is in a dilemma due to the timing of the transfer and the need to ensure squad stability. Villa invested €20 million in Coutinho last year, and any transfer fee from Al Duhail could potentially offset this cost. Nevertheless, the impending closure of the transfer window makes finding a suitable replacement challenging.
The situation adds an element of uncertainty to Villa’s preparations for the upcoming matches. While Coutinho’s departure could offer financial benefits, it also presents a significant decision for the club’s management. As Villa weighs the pros and cons, the spotlight remains on Coutinho’s potential move and its implications for both clubs involved. Meanwhile, Unai Emery’s Al Duhail side gears up to face Burnley, and the unfolding transfer drama adds an extra layer of intrigue to the football landscape.