Interest is reportedly building in Aston Villa playmaker Philippe Coutinho, who could yet leave before the transfer window deadline.
The 31-year-old endured a difficult season last year, contributing just one goal and no assists in 22 appearances, in a campaign significantly impacted by injury problems.
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To add to the frustration, Coutinho missed our last 15 Premier League games due to injury, thus denying Unai Emery the opportunity to see how he could fit into his side and how effective he could be.
Our pre-season schedule was that chance for the Brazilian playmaker, and while his involvement gradually increased, he provided a timely reminder of his ability with an assist in our 2-1 win over Valencia on Saturday night.
However, just prior to that game, it was reported by Fabrizio Romano that an unnamed club from Qatar has made an inquiry about the conditions for a deal to sign Coutinho, and it was added that he could leave us if a good proposal was offered.
Further, Romano noted that clubs in Saudi Arabia also made approaches last month, and so time will tell if Coutinho is convinced by any official proposals that he receives to pave the way for an exit this summer.
It’s unclear at this stage if Emery is adamant on him staying or if he would approve of a departure to then in turn bring in an option of his own better suited to his style and demands, but there seemingly could yet be movement in the transfer market for Villa this month.
The general message from the Villa and boss and Monchi this week has been that we’re still ready to add further reinforcements if the right opportunities present themselves, while additional exits are expected too.
It remains to be seen if Coutinho is one to move on, but with Emiliano Buendia, Moussa Diaby, Leon Bailey and others all competing for a starting berth in similar roles, it’s unclear just how big a part the Brazilian international could still play for us.