Aston Villa midfielder Philippe Coutinho closing in on a loan move to Qatar

Philippe Coutinho set for a loan move to Qatar || Photo Credit: The Sun

Aston Villa midfielder Philippe Coutinho closing in on a loan move to Qatar

Stephen Oladehinde 15:47 - 07.09.2023

According to reports, Philippe Coutinho, the underappreciated star of Aston Villa, is about to sign with Al-Duhail of Qatar.

In 2022, Coutinho first moved to Villa on loan from Barcelona to collaborate with Steven Gerrard, a former teammate from Liverpool and made a permanent move last summer for around £17 million.

The Brazilian is not in the plans of new manager Unai Emery this season and Aston Villa are looking to let him leave this summer.

The 31-year-old has turned down offers from European powerhouses and has chosen a loan agreement with the Middle Eastern team.

Philippe Coutinho, Aston Villa midfielder || Photo Credit: The Sun
Philippe Coutinho, Aston Villa midfielder || Photo Credit: The Sun

Coutinho’s move to Qatar

According to the Sun, Philippe Coutinho is on the verge of completing his loan move to Qatar side Al-Duhail as he looks set to leave Aston Villa.

Qatar's transfer window doesn't end until September 18th and the transaction can still be completed.

In 2022–23, Coutinho only scored one goal and provided no assists while making just one bench appearance. He stopped playing after February 18.

The addition of Moussa Diaby in the summer, together with Coutinho's most recent hamstring injury, has caused him to fall lower down Unai Emery's team's hierarchy.

Fabrizio Romano now claims Coutinho appears destined to sign with Al-Duhail, he tweeted, "Al-Duhail are now closing in on Philippe Coutinho deal! Agreement being sealed with Aston Villa on loan move with salary covered."

Besiktas of Turkey and Real Betis of Spain had previously shown an interest in Coutinho, however, he has chosen Qatar as his preferred destination.