Aston Villa have completed the permanent signing of Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona, according to transfer coach Fabrizio Romano.
The Brazilian has been at Villa Park on a loan deal since January when he returned to the Premier League four years after his £142m move from Liverpool to Barcelona.
Villa boss Steven Gerrard who played for Coutinho is said to have been a key factor behind the player’s decision to dedicate his future to the club as he impressed him in his short stint.
Very soon, an official statement expected Philippe Coutinho to join Aston Villa on a permanent deal. The agreement was completed yesterday, and part of the paperwork was already signed a few hours ago. 🇧🇷🤝 #AVFC
Barcelona will have about 20 million euros included in the financial balance for this year.
– Fabrizio Romano 12 May 2022
The midfielder has scored seven goals in his first eight matches for the club, and has also been invited to represent A Seleção in upcoming international matches against South Korea and Japan, both of which will take place in early June.
The deal will bring Barcelona around 20 million euros, while they will keep a percentage of any future sale, also with the club keen to remove the player from his salary bill.
