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Aston Villa have opened talks aimed at mutually ending Philippe Coutinho’s contract, according to reports.

All Liverpool fans worth their salt know the story of how the Brazilian left the club.

A blockbuster January 2018 transfer saw him leave Anfield for Barcelona in a deal reported at around £142 million, making him one of football’s record signings.

His spell at Camp Nou failed to reignite his Liverpool form, and in January 2022 he reunited with former Reds teammate Steven Gerrard at Villa on loan before making the move permanent that May for a fee of approximately €20 million.

Seeking regular football and reduced Villa wage costs, Coutinho spent the 2023–24 season on loan at Qatari side Al-Duhail, where he rediscovered some goal threat, before returning to his boyhood club Vasco da Gama on a year-long deal in July 2024.

And now with the Birmingham side having already sold their women’s team due to PSR concerns, they are looking to ship Coutinho off to get his wages off their books.

Birmingham Live has reported that Villa’s board now view a mutual termination as the most pragmatic solution.

With Coutinho still earning Premier League–level wages but not featuring in first-team plans, both club and player stand to benefit from an amicable split.

By cutting ties, Villa can free up significant salary space as they look to continue to make strides forward under manager Unai Emery.

Meanwhile, it looks like Vasco would love to sign the Brazilian man permanently.

Vasco da Gama’s chief executive Carlos Amodeo, said on the former Liverpool man:

“The goal is to keep the player.

The point is to resolve the situation with Aston Villa so we can move forward.”

“Coutinho is a player we want to count on for the rest of the season?

We’re in contact with his staff awaiting his release.”

Hopefully Coutinho can finally find a permanent home after wandering in wilderness for a few seasons.

It’s what the magician deserves, and he will always fondly remembered at Anfield for the mega payday he brought in while balancing his dreams of playing for Barcelona.

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