Aston Villa playmaker Philippe Coutinho’s stance on his future reportedly hasn’t changed amid interest from Galatasaray.
The 30-year-old Brazilian international took to social media last month to dismiss suggestions that he was keen to move on, with interest from clubs in Brazil being touted at that time.
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However, speculation has again built up ahead of the transfer deadline in Turkey this week, but as reported by The Express and Star, Coutinho’s stance isn’t believed to have changed and his intention is to remain at the club.
It has been a struggle for the Brazilian ace so far this season, as he has yet to register a single goal or assist in 20 appearances across all competitions.
The hope is that Unai Emery will be able to get him out of his slump and can help him rediscover some good form in order to be a useful option between now and the end of the season.
Particularly with a lack of depth and alternative options who can provide similar to what he offers in terms of creativity and technical quality, it would make little sense for Villa to allow Coutinho to leave now without being able to bring in a replacement immediately.
In turn, it’s good news that he’s said to be keen to stay, and after showing some positive signs in his appearance off the bench at the weekend against Leicester City, it’s hoped that he can build on that and add a decisive touch to his play when he next gets an opportunity.
It will be difficult for him to break back into the Villa XI with the likes of Leon Bailey and Emiliano Buendia being preferred, and time will tell if Emery intends on using him in the long-term future or if Coutinho ultimately has between now and the end of the campaign to prove his worth and secure his place in Villa’s plans beyond this year.