‘GOOD SIGNING’: PAUL MERSON REACTS TO ASTON VILLA TRANSFER RUMOUR INVOLVING MIDFIELDER
Paul Merson thinks Philippe Coutinho’s expected deadline-day transfer from Aston Villa to Qatari side, Al Duhail, is a ‘good signing for both’
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The former Aston Villa player highlighted how he was ‘shocked’ when the club first decided to sign the playmaker from Barcelona
At the time, Steven Gerrard was in charge, with Philippe Coutinho securing a loan move to Villa Park, before it was made permanent, with Merson adding that Villa ‘didn’t need’ the player, as he told Deadline Day on Sky Sports (01/09/23 at 3:30 pm).
It seems as though it’s only a matter of time before Coutinho heads for the exit door, with Sky Sports reporting that Qatari champions Al Duhail are closing on a deal for the versatile midfielder.
The 31-year-old last featured for Villa during their 4-0 home win over Everton in the Premier League, as he came off the bench and impressed, only to suffer another injury
Whilst the Brazil star’s performances haven’t been up to scratch, he hasn’t been helped by the injuries he has suffered, with Merson reacting to his expected exit
“I think he suits that,” said Merson about Coutinho moving to the Middle East.
“I was quite shocked that Villa went in for Coutinho when they did, at the time. I didn’t think they needed him. I think he suits the Saudi league. It will be a good signing for both parties.”
It hasn’t worked for Coutinho UNDER GERRARD ONLY
It’s a shame for the player because, since Unai Emery joined Villa, he has been in the treatment room quite a lot, so he hasn’t been able to showcase his stuff.
But during the period of time he has been out on the pitch, he has looked very good.
It was only under Steven Gerrard, who managed to downgrade the game of nearly every Villa player, that it didn’t work for Coutinho.
But, saying that, it’s the right time for him to leave because, on top of his performances, it seems as though his body is no longer able to cope with English footbal
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