Philippe Coutinho to be offered ‘ludicrous’ money to play in Saudi Pro League and seal Aston Villa exit – Ty Bracey

Philippe Coutinho to be offered ‘ludicrous’ money to play in Saudi Pro League and seal Aston Villa exit – Ty Bracey

We’re delighted to welcome Aston Villa podcaster Ty Bracey as our exclusive Aston Villa columnist each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the club…

Ty Bracey believes Aston Villa playmaker Philippe Coutinho could be targeted with a ludicrous transfer offer from the Saudi Pro League this summer.

The Brazilian playmaker has cut a frustrated figure at Villa Park since sealing his £17million move last year, with his 2022/23 campaign blighted by injuries and poor form.

Since the departure of Steven Gerrard in October, Coutinho has started just one Premier League game, in which he scored against Arsenal.

A hamstring injury hampered the latter stages of his campaign, only managing to make the first-team squad in one of the club’s last 15 games.

Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Bracey admitted that there was still some magic stardust in Coutinho but that he was happy if the club tried to get him off the wage books this summer.

He said: “To be fair, despite being injured for much of last season, I’d still be happy to have him if the club are happy to keep him on the wage bill.

“However, it wouldn’t surprise me if a Saudi club came knocking and offered him a ludicrous amount of money to go and play over there.

“I’m happy either way though, if he can stay fit, we definitely know there is still a quality player in there, but if Villa need to get him off the books, then we’ll trust that decision.”

Coutinho, who is contracted at Villa Park until June 2026, has long been in a selection tussle with Emi Buendia for first-team minutes.

However, after the Argentine’s impressive form under Unai Emery, and the club also likely to bring in new faces in attack, the 31-year-old could quickly find himself even further down the pecking order heading into the new season.