Update On The Future Of This On-Loan Aston Villa Playmaker: Should Emery Cut Him Loose? | OneFootball

In a recent report, O Globo offered an update on the future of on-loan Aston Villa playmaker Philippe Coutinho. It is understood that the Brazilian attacker, who is currently playing on loan at Al-Duhail, wants to leave the Villans to join Vasco da Gama this summer.

The 31-year-old is having a decent loan spell at the Qatari club as he has put in a run of impressive displays for them in the final third. Coutinho has banged in six goals and earned three assists in 20 matches for Al-Duhail this season across multiple competitions.

The talented attacker has caught the eye at times with his performances in the Qatari Stars League but needs to find a way to sort out his long-term future at his parent club Aston Villa.

His current contract at Villa Park will run out in the summer of 2026. However, Unai Emery is unlikely to use him in the future which could see the Villans cash in on him when the transfer window reopens later this year.

Duhail’s Brazilian midfielder #09 Philippe Coutinho stands over the ball during the AFC Champions League Group E football match between Qatar’s Al-Duhail and Iran’s Persepolis at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha on October 2, 2023. (Photo by Karim JAAFAR / AFP)

Should Aston Villa Boss Unai Emery Cut Coutinho Loose This Summer?

Coutinho is a good dribbler with the ball at his feet and can strike the ball with venom and accuracy from long range. He is primarily an attacking midfielder but can also operate as a winger on either flank if asked to do so.

On his day, the Brazilian sensation can still be a match-winner for his team. However, he has struggled to prove his fitness and be consistent on the field in recent years. Therefore, Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery would be wise to cut Coutinho loose in the upcoming transfer period.

At 31, Coutinho has still got a few good years left in him to play at a high level. Thus, it makes sense for the player to leave the Villans permanently and seal a move back to his homeland at the end of this campaign.

Coutinho is surplus to requirement at Villa Park right now, so Emery should consider cashing in on him and use the money generated from his potential sale to strengthen other areas of his match-day squad in the summer.