Two days ago, Fanatik reported Aston Villa star Philippe Coutinho’s agent has proposed his client to Beşiktaş. It was also stated the Turkish club were successful in negotiating to reduce his salary demands to €4.5m per year.
The attacking midfielder has lost prominence after Unai Emery arrived at Villa Park and has not featured for the Villans since February. He may leave Aston Villa but a move to Istanbul no longer seems to be an option.
That’s according to the 31-year-old’s friend and former Beşiktaş midfielder, Josef de Souza. He posted a tweet and it’s been picked up by several Turkish outlets, including NTV Spor.
“We did our best, but it was not possible, BEŞİKTAŞ tried and tried, Ceyhun [Kazanci Beşiktaş sporting director] did what he could, this time my friend will not go to Turkey, he has other plans and I respect him. thank you,” he said.
NTV Spor and others have pointed out the Brazilian midfielder is referring to the Aston Villa player as his “friend” above. Souza doesn’t mention Coutinho’s “plans” for his future.
We did our best , but it was not possible , BEŞİKTAŞ tried and tried , Ceyhun did what he could , this time my friend will not go to turkey , he has other plans and I respect him . thank you 🙏
— Souza (@souza5) July 27, 2023
Both Souza and Coutinho came up through the ranks of Vasco da Gama and spent two years with their first team between 2008 and 2010.
Souza joined the Black Eagles in 2020 before leaving them for Chinese side Beijing Guoan earlier this year.
