What started as a rumour two days ago soon propelled into a serious, done deal.As we speak, Philippe Coutinho is on his way from Barcelona to Birmingham, where he’ll agree on a loan until the end of the season. He’ll join his former Liverpool teammate and a current Aston Villa gaffer Steven Gerrard, who finds the Brazilian winger as the proper reinforcement of the squad ahead of decisive few months.Welcome, Philippe Coutinho! 🙌Aston Villa and FC Barcelona have agreed terms for Philippe Coutinho to spend the rest of this season on loan at Villa Park. 🇧🇷— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) January 7, 2022 Gerrard’s slot is only 11 points aloft of the danger zone and could benefit from the 29-year-old player who’s eager to get his career back on track after years of stagnation at Camp Nou.Coutinho was signed by Barcelona from Liverpool for a club record in January 2018, but he has struggled to hold down a first-team place at Camp Nou and spent the 2019/20 season on loan at Bayern Munich.Time for a reunion? Gerrard wants to bring his former teammate Coutinho to Aston VillaWhen asked about possible Coutinho’s move to Villa Park, Gerrard hesitated to reveal the whole truth.”Sixty-three caps for Brazil, a serial winner, was incredible at Liverpool, so I can understand why he’s linked to a lot of football clubs,” said Gerrard.Coutinho or ‘The Sad Traveller’ saga: Trip around the world for Barca star ended in despair”I can understand why a lot of supporters up and down the country are speaking about him. I don’t think you get a nickname as a magician if you’re not a special footballer, so he’s someone I have an incredible amount of respect for.”But I don’t want to add to any speculation because he belongs to Barcelona.”SUN: 17.00 (1.23) LIVERPOOL (7.00) SHREWSBURY (10.5) That was on Wednesday. But today is Friday – and like that famous song says, Friday never hesitates. So Gerrard and Villa have made their move. Let’s see what this Coutinho adventure will bring to them.
