Author: Vishwajit Sawant
Aston Villa have officially announced that Brazilian striker Philippe Coutinho will spend the 2023-24 season on loan at Al-Duhail in Qatar. The 31-year-old has struggled to secure a place in the team since Unai Emery took over at Villa Park, and injuries have further hampered his progress.
Coutinho made brief appearances for Aston Villa, including a three-minute appearance in the 5-1 defeat to Newcastle United and a second-half substitution in the 4-0 win against Everton. However, a hamstring injury ruled him out of the following matches against Burnley and Liverpool.
Initially, Unai Emery played down the seriousness of Coutinho’s injury and expressed hope that he would return after the international break. However, the English transfer window closed with Coutinho still at Villa.
Coutinho found himself behind John McGinn, Moussa Diaby, Leon Bailey and Nicolo Zaniolo in the pecking order, with Emiliano Buendia also preferred when fully fit. As a result, Coutinho will spend the rest of the season in Qatar.
The loan move to Al-Duhail, managed by former Argentinian striker Hernan Crespo, has been confirmed for the 2023-24 season. However, it has not yet been disclosed whether the agreement includes an option or a permanent transfer obligation.
Philippe Coutinho joins a list of recognizable names at Al-Duhail, including former Southampton midfielder Ibrahima Diallo and Portuguese defender Ruben Semedo.
This move marks the continuation of Coutinho’s journey, which began with Aston Villa offering him an escape route from Barcelona in January 2022. His stay became permanent for €20 million (£17.2 million) in the same summer, after contributing five goals and three assists in 19 Premier League games. However, the South American struggled in the 2022-23 campaign, scoring just one goal in 22 appearances in all competitions.
Coutinho also missed out on representing Brazil at the 2022 World Cup due to injury and hasn’t played for the national team since June last year.
Botafogo looking for Argentine midfielder Roberto Pereyra to strengthen squad
Botafogo have made an official bid for Argentine midfielder Roberto Pereyra, who is currently a free agent after leaving Udinese earlier this year. While waiting for Pereyra’s response, Botafogo are willing not to enter into a bidding war, unlike Santos, who gave up after their bid was rejected. Palmeiras are also interested in the player.
Pereyra’s status as a free agent offers Botafogo a valuable opportunity to strengthen their midfield with his experience and creativity. With two Italian league titles to his name, Pereyra’s impressive career includes spells at clubs such as Udinese, Juventus and Watford. Botafogo, who lead the league with 51 points, are preparing for a crucial match against Atlético-MG on matchday 23 of the Campeonato Brasileiro, where the addition of Pereyra could significantly improve their prospects.