Philippe Coutinho exit on the cards at Aston Villa if ‘decent’ offer submitted
We’re delighted to welcome former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Villa Park…
Alan Hutton believes Philippe Coutinho can still play a role at Aston Villa but admits the Brazilian is likely to be sold if an acceptable offer is made for him.
Coutinho, 31, struggled in his first full season as a Villa player with the Brazilian dropping down the pecking order when Unai Emery came in.
He also didn’t play in the final 15 Premier League games of the season due to both injury and a failure to make Emery’s matchday plans.
Coutinho has, however, been playing in pre-season friendlies for Villa and while Hutton sees the ex-Liverpool star leaving if someone wants him, he does maintain that the South American could be useful for Emery.
When asked by Villa News if he thinks selling Coutinho this summer will be a struggle, Hutton said: “Possibly. It all comes down to whether the manager sees him in his plans and I think he does.
“I think he can give you something different and he’s obviously a quality player. I don’t see him starting every week but having someone like that in your squad can change a game.
“He’s still been playing in the pre-season games, he’s with the squad. He must be involved in some shape or form.
“If a decent offer did come in, I think they could think about it and could let him move on.
“When Steven Gerrard came in, Coutinho was on big wages as a marquee signing but it hasn’t quite worked out.
“I still think there’s something there that can change games so whether he goes or whether he stays, he still can contribute to this season. But if a decent offer came in, they would definitely look at that.”
Coutinho scored one goal in 20 Premier League appearances last season.
He only started seven of those games, which were mostly when Gerrard was in charge.
In other Aston Villa news, Emery has made a transfer decision on this exit-linked Villa sensation.