ASTON VILLA completed the permanent signing of Barcelona playmaker Philippe Coutinho on Thursday in a deal the La Liga club said is worth €20 million (£17 million).
The Brazilian has impressed since arriving at Villa on loan in January after struggling to make an impact at Barcelona.
Barca confirmed the transfer includes a 50 percent sell-on clause if Coutinho leaves Villa.
The former Liverpool star, who has scored four times and contributed three assists for Villa, has agreed a contract that runs until 2026.
“This is a brilliant signing for Aston Villa,” Villa boss Steven Gerrard told the club’s website.
“Phil is a model professional and his impact on the group has been very clear since he joined in January.”
Whatever happened to Keril Wade thought he was going to be the next big thing when he started out
Hate the way they single out the freetaker as their star player. Morrissey didn’t score from play but is their main man. Didn’t see the game but does seem very lazy journalism
Terrible game of hurling, St. Thomas’ and gort must be kicking themselves after watching that…
I lived in Galway for a few years and this championship could be the best thing to happen for hurling in the county in years. A lot of players in Galway thinking they’re hot sh*t because they won a club All Ireland, even though Galway teams have an easier path to the final. Then they have trouble parking club rivalries and egos at the door when they come together again, particularly Portumna and Thomas’. Having them eat a bit of humble pie can do no harm.