Steven Gerrard pulled off a coup bringing Philippe Coutinho to Aston Villa in January but may struggle turning it into a permanent deal. Although Villa have the option to sign the 29-year-old for £33m, his lofty wage demands and ambition to play at the highest level could prove a stumbling block in negotiations.
It would be a massive blow for Villa given how well Coutinho has done in the last two months, not to mention a harsh reminder of their current standing. The Brazilian international has scored four goals and made three assists in nine Premier League appearances this season, successfully returning to the national team off the back of his club form.
Coutinho has as many league goals in two months at Villa as he did in his last two seasons at Barcelona. He’s also made more assists than he managed in the past two years in Spain, so Gerrard has undoubtedly turned his career around.
The 29-year-old is only on loan, however, and has played for the likes of Inter Milan, Liverpool and Bayern Munich previously, so he might prefer a side that can promise Champions League football. Coutinho turns 30 in June and is nearing his peak, so the next move may be his last.
Noel Whelan disagrees, however, and believes the Brazilian will want to stay above joining a top-four side as he’s happy at Villa Park. He told Football Insider: “If it’s a choice between leaving to a top four club like Arsenal and staying at Aston Villa, I’m going to say that he’ll stay with Gerrard.
“I think they’re building something at Villa Park – and Coutinho wants to be a part of it, because of Gerrard. He won’t be jumping ship. Look, Arsenal had the opportunity to go out and get him in January and they didn’t. Who showed faith in him? Steven Gerrard and Aston Villa.
“He’s really enjoying his time at the club right now with the freedom and confidence he’s got back.” Time will tell if Whelan is right.
In other news, Carlton Palmer says Ashley Young is ‘great asset’ for Steven Gerrard
