Barcelona were finally able to send Philippe Coutinho back to the Premier League during the January transfer window, having tried to do so in several windows before.
It was perhaps a surprise that more English clubs didn’t come forward for the Brazilian, given how impressive he’d been whilst with Liverpool. Somewhat tainted by his time at Barcelona, Coutinho needed to find a manager who would trust him, and Steven Gerrard stepped forward to be that man.
That decision is paying off for the player and Aston Villa, with Barcelona believe it will pay off for them too in the summer.
Coutinho has scored three goals and added three assists in seven Premier League matches so far, and Gerrard has made it clear he’s happy with the signing.
Those comments from the Aston Villa manager have found their way to Spain, and Sport report the Birmingham club will need to pay the full €40m clause should they want to secure the permanent transfer.
Originally, it was assumed a discount would be asked for, and Sport say it’s been Aston Villa’s plan to negotiate the price down.
However, Barcelona will refuse to do so, according to the Catalan newspaper. They say there’s interest from elsewhere, so if Villa won’t pay the €40m it’s suggested someone else will.
