Image Credits: Imago Images
Philippe Coutinho left Liverpool for Barcelona in 2018, but his move to Spain failed to live up to expectations. After a permanent switch to Aston Villa in 2022, Coutinho struggled for consistency, going on loan to Al-Duhail and later to Vasco da Gama in 2024.
His contract with Villa was terminated, allowing a permanent return to Vasco, where he had shone as a youth player. Despite contributing 17 goals in 80 appearances, Coutinho is reportedly unhappy and seeking a new challenge.
Coutinho joined Inter Milan in 2008 after impressing with his talent but struggled to settle in Italy. He moved to Liverpool in January 2013 and quickly became a key player, linking up with Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge, and Raheem Sterling, helping the Reds challenge for the Premier League in 2013-14.
Coutinho made the PFA Team of the Year the next season and remained crucial under Jurgen Klopp, forming strong partnerships with Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, and later Mohamed Salah. In January 2018, he moved to Barcelona for £142million (€162m).
At Camp Nou, he won two La Liga titles and a Copa del Rey but eventually fell out of favour, leading to a loan to Bayern Munich in 2019-20, where he won a treble including the Bundesliga, Champions League, and DFB-Pokal.
Coutinho reunited with Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa in 2022 but struggled for consistency, leading to subsequent moves to Al-Duhail and Vasco da Gama. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano says he has agreed to leave Vasco da Gama immediately by mutual consent.
Romano posted on X: “Philippe Coutinho has decided to leave Vasco da Gama with immediate effect by mutual agreement. He’s set to be available as free agent.”
Coutinho’s next move is uncertain. He could be targeted by the Saudi Pro League, where the Public Investment Fund seeks players to boost the league’s profile, or he might move to Major League Soccer or stay in Brazil to continue his career.
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