Philippe Coutinho has been loaned out to Aston Villa

Philippe Coutinho has agreed to sign a loan deal with Aston Villa until the end of the 2021-22 season, according to Barcelona. Coutinho joins former Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard, who is now the manager of Villa Park, in his return to the Premier League.

FC Barcelona official statement:

“FC Barcelona and Aston Villa have reached an agreement for the loan of the player Philippe Coutinho until the end of the season. The agreement, subject to the player passing his medical and obtaining a work permit, includes an option to make the transfer permanent. The English club will pay part of the player’s wages and the midfielder is expected to travel to Birmingham in the next few hours.”

Coutinho arrives on a six-month loan, despite reports that Barcelona was pressing for a lengthier term, and the deal includes a purchase option. With the departure of the Brazilian, Barcelona should be able to register new acquisition Ferran Torres, who arrived from Manchester City.