Philippe Coutinho leaves Aston Villa with permanent move to Vasco da Gama

Philippe Coutinho has left Aston Villa after Vasco da Gama agreed a deal to sign the forward permanently.

The Rio de Janeiro side signed Coutinho on a season-long loan last July, scoring eight goals in 44 appearances since returning to the club with whom he started his career in youth football.

And he will now remain with Vasco, who are believed to have signed him on a free transfer after Villa agreed to terminate his contract.

Coutinho last played for Villa in August 2023 before joining Qatari side Al-Duhail on loan.

He moved to Villa Park in 2022 from Barcelona following a loan spell in the Midlands. Coutinho spent much of his time at Camp Nou out on loan, helping Bayern Munich to a treble that included the Champions League title in the 2019-20 season.

The former Liverpool and Inter Milan man scored six goals in 43 appearances for Villa.

His future resolved, Coutinho will be able to focus on helping Vasco recover from a disappointing start to the 2025 Brazilian Serie A season, which has seen them claim just four wins from their opening 12 games.