On the pitch, they shared two and a half years of magic before then-mighty Barcelona came calling. Four years after Philippe Coutinho left Liverpool, he could be reunited with the former Reds captain Steven Gerrard.Aston Villa are making good progress following a shaky start of the season and could do with a top-class player to lift them to another level. And despite a few torrid years that Coutinho has had to endure, Gerrard believes that there is still a world-class player hidden somewhere in the 29-year-old Brazilian.Friday, 23.00: (25.0) Swindon (13.0) Man.City (1.07)Aston Villa are just one of the clubs reportedly interested to take a chance on the highly talented winger, with Newcastle United and Brazilian giants Atletico Mineiro keen. But neither of those clubs have the charismatic Stevie G in charge.The relationship between Gerrard and Coutinho has been terrific both on and off the pitch between 2014 and Gerrard’s move to America in 2016. Then, in January 2018, the Brazilian finally followed in the footsteps of Luis Suarez, another South American who went from Liverpool to Barcelona, he posted a heartfelt message to the Reds captain.”Steve, it was an honour for me to play with such a legend as yourself. I learnt a lot from knowing you. Both off the pitch in my family life and also on the pitch. Thank you for all your support and encouragement in my years at Liverpool. Your belief in me helped me become a better player. I wish you and your family the best.”Aston Villa are in direct contact with Philippe Coutinho agent to negotiate potential loan move, as first reported by @tjcope @helenacondis. It’s not a done deal/agreed yet. 🇧🇷 #AVFCCoutinho has been discussed with 3 Premier League clubs. He’s open and prepared to leave Barça.— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 5, 2022 After a less than convincing loan at Bayern in the 2019/20 season and subsequent days plagued by injuries and poor form, Barcelona can’t wait to get rid of the expensive substitute and are willing to let him go for a mere fraction of the $100m+ fee they paid for him. Aston Villa would prefer to arrange an initial loan arrangement.Many suggested that Coutinho’s career took a turn for the worse when he left England. He still has time to put that mistake right.
