8 hours ago
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Aston Villa have confirmed that Philippe Coutinho has now joined Vasco da Gama on a permanent basis.
The former Liverpool superstar spent last season on loan with the Brazilian top flight side where he began his footballing journey as a child.
The 33-year-old managed five goals and three assists in 26 appearances for Vasco in all competitions as they finished 13th in the Brasileirao Serie A.
He will now continue to wear the black and white, calling an end to a Villa career that never really got going.
'Aston Villa can confirm that Philippe Coutinho has completed a permanent move to Vasco da Gama,' the club wrote on X.
'Everyone at Aston Villa would like to thank Philippe for his service to the club and wish him all the best in his future career.'
Aston Villa have confirmed Philippe Coutinho has permanently joined Vasco da Gama
Coutinho failed to live up to expectations after signing for Aston Villa three years ago
Coutinho, who joined Barcelona for an astonishing £145million in 2018, has struggled to find a long-term home since leaving the Nou Camp, first joining Bayern Munich and Aston Villa on loan before signing for the Premier League outfit in 2022.
The 33-year-old contributed five goals and three assists during his six-month loan spell at Villa Park.
However, he managed just one goal in 22 games in his first full campaign before joining Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Duhail on loan for the 2023-24 season.
Coutinho came through Vasco da Gama's youth academy before being scouted by Serie A giants Inter Milan in 2008.
He impressed at the San Siro as a youngster ahead of signing for Liverpool in 2013, where he spent another five years before moving to Barcelona in still one of the most expensive transfers of all time.
During his time at Anfield, Coutinho made 152 appearances for the Reds and netted 41 goals.
His sale fee enabled Liverpool to sign a handful of important players under Jurgen Klopp, including Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker.
