Philippe Coutinho joins Al Duhail on loan from Aston Villa
- Aston Villa confirm loan exit of Philippe Coutinho
- Brazilian joins Qatari side Al Duhail
- Barcelona were expecting sell-on fee from transfer but deal is only a loan for time being
By Sean Walsh
Aston Villa have confirmed Philippe Coutinho has joined Qatari side Al Duhail on an initial loan for the 2023/24 season.
The 31-year-old had long been expected to find a new club this summer after falling out of favour at Villa during the 2022/23 campaign.
90min reported in July that Coutinho was wanted by former Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard shortly after he was appointed manager of Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq, but the former midfielder was only able to bring in Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum instead.
Al Duhail accelerated talks with Villa over Coutinho recently and his old club Barcelona had been expected to land a significant windfall if he was sold.
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However, Villa have revealed Coutinho's move to Qatar is on an initial loan, so Barca will have to wait to receive a financial boost.
A club statement read: "Aston Villa can confirm Philippe Coutinho has completed a season-long loan move to Al Duhail.
"The Brazilian signed for Villa on loan initially in January 2022 and immediately sparkled in claret and blue, scoring on his debut against Manchester United.
"His impressive performances would later see his move to Villa Park from Barcelona turn permanent and he has made 43 appearances for the club, scoring six goals."
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