September 08, (THEWILL) – Brazilian attacking midfielder, Philippe Coutinho, has signed for Qatari club, Al-Duhail, on a season-long loan from English Premier League side, Aston Villa.
The 31-year-old moved to Villa Park in January 2022, but struggled to make an impact, scoring just once in the league in 20 appearances. He joins Al-Duhail after previous stints with Liverpool, Inter Milan and Barcelona. The Catalan club paid £142 million for him in 2018, making him one of the most expensive transfers in football history. Despite showing glimpses of his talent, Coutinho never fully settled at the Camp Nou.
The playmaker has been capped 68 times for Brazil and was part of the squad that won the Copa America in 2019. However, he has not featured for the national team since scoring in a 5-1 victory against South Korea in June 2022. Coutinho will be looking to rediscover his best form in Qatar to work his way back into contention.
Al-Duhail are currently third in the Qatar Stars League table, two points adrift of leaders, Al Rayyan. The Doha-based club is coached by former Argentine striker, Hernan Crespo and will be hoping Coutinho can provide the creative spark to power them to the league title. At 31, the Brazilian still has plenty to offer if he can overcome his recent struggles.
Coutinho will remain an Aston Villa player, but this loan move gives him the chance to rebuild his confidence in new surroundings. Villa will monitor his progress closely and assess their options next summer.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
