The latest report from The Athletic suggests that Villa are trying to buy out Coutinho and the team will be in deep talks with Barca in the coming weeks, but Villa hope Barca will cut prices.
It is reported that when Coutinho joined Villa on loan from Barca in the winter window, the loan contract contained an optional buyout clause of 40 million euros. Gerald wants Villa to buy out Coutinho, but the player's buyout fee is much higher than his body value, and Villa is not willing to do the wrong.
The 29-year-old Coutinho, after returning to the Premier League to join Villa in the winter window, played a total of 13 Premier League games, including 12 starts, scored 4 goals, and 3 assists, and played quite well. Coutinho's contract with Barca expires in 2023, which means that the player's summer window is about to enter the contract period, which is also the best time for Barca to cash out, and the current player's latest value in Germany is 18 million euros.
Coutinho is currently worth 18 million euros, but the buyout fee is as high as 40 million euros, Villa will certainly not be introduced according to the price of the optional buyout clause, and the two sides will definitely bargain. Barca, on the other hand, want to cash out Coutinho in the summer window, so the transfer fee will definitely come down. Of course, Coutinho leaving Barca to join Villa permanently will be a win-three option, Barca can get a transfer fee + free salary space; Villa can get a powerful attacking midfielder, which is very suitable for Gerrard's tactics, the coach is a buddy; Coutinho can also re-play the game and strive to go to Qatar to play the World Cup.