Philippe Coutinho was eager to leave Barca and move to the Premier League to pursue regular play. Aston Villa was among two English clubs interested in signing the midfielder.

After signing a loan move from Barca until the end of the season, the veteran Liverpool midfielder is now back in the Premier League playing under his former Reds captain.

Coutinho used to play alongside current Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard while they were both at Liverpool.

Philippe Coutinho Premier League Future Determine at Villa Park

Coutinho joins Aston Villa, who are now 13th in the Premier League since the midfielder sees Villa as an ambitious club that is putting together something exceptional for the foreseeable future.

The Brazilian midfielder is well acquainted with Gerrard, having spent two and a half years with him at Anfield. Gerrard is also thought to be well acquainted with Villa and the team.

There was also a possibility that Coutinho may return to Anfield once more this month and cherish the opportunity to play there. On the other hand, Liverpool was not expected to pursue a deal for the 29-year-old Brazilian midfielder during the January transfer window.

Coutinho joined Barca from the Reds for a club-record signing of £146 million in January 2018, but he has failed to hold onto a first-team spot at the Camp Nou. Coutinho spent the 2019-2020 loan spell at Bayern Munich. Coutinho was named the club’s most expensive signing in January 2018.

The battle to acquire Coutinho was hotly contested earlier this week, with as many as six English teams interested. But there were just two genuine competitors vying for the midfielder’s talent.

Aston Villa Coach Steven Gerrard Remained Tight-Lipped on a Potential Move for His Former Liverpool Teammate Philippe Coutinho

Even though Gerrard is a huge admirer of Coutinho, he refused to be pulled into a discussion about the possibility of signing his former teammate during a press conference on Thursday before Monday’s FA Cup third-round clash against Manchester United.

“With 63 caps for Brazil and a track record of success, he was brilliant at Liverpool, and I can see why he’s being associated with a number of teams,” Gerrard added.

“I see why a large number of admirers from all around the nation are talking about him. I don’t believe you can earn a reputation as a magician unless you’re a talented player. Therefore Coutinho is someone I have a great deal of admiration and respect for.

“However, I wouldn’t want to contribute to any conjecture because he is a Barcelona player.”

Philippe Coutinho’s Participation Has Dwindled Since Joining Barcelona

Coutinho, who has 28 goals in 105 appearances for Barcelona, has battled since his dream transfer to Catalonia. However, he has still managed to secure four major championships despite playing a minor role in the team’s success.

Gerrard has defended Coutinho’s record at the Camp Nou despite the common assumption that the Brazilian has underperformed since transferring to Spain. Gerrard believes Coutinho still has a lot to give the squad and believes he has a lot to prove.

“With Barcelona, Coutinho won two league titles as well as two Copa del Reys,” Gerrard continued.

“I believe that if you check at his Wikipedia page, you’ll discover that he’s been a consistent winner wherever he’s gone.

The player is my friend, and I have nothing but nice things to say about him. When I’m asked the questions, I’ll be happy to answer them for as long as you’d like,” He said.

As a result, Coutinho spent the 2019/20 loan spell at Bayern Munich, where he helped his team to earn victories in the Bundesliga, Champions League, and German Cup alongside Hansi Flick.

Coutinho Is Interested in Playing for Aston Villa and Would Be More Than Willing to Do So Alongside Steven Gerrald

Philippe Coutinho joined Aston Villa due to his connections with the club. During his time at Liverpool, he was familiar with Christian Purslow and Steven Gerrard. He believes Villa is a club on the rise. Gerrard, Purslow, and the club’s owners all have lofty ambitions.

Coutinho is also familiar with the Villa squad’s kings of talent, such Ollie Watkins, Emi Buendia, and Emi Martinez, and believes that if he played consistently for Villa, he could help them climb the ladder in the Premier League table.

That is undoubtedly on the cards, and Aston Villa, of course, isn’t giving anything away. They do not remark since, in their opinion, he is a Barcelona player.