Philippe Coutinho in Qatar. (Credit: Twitter)
Coutinho was able to join Al Duhail despite the Premier League transfer window closing last week because the Qatari deadline is not until September 18.
Brazilian forward Philippe Coutinho joined Qatari side Al Duhail on a season-long loan from Premier League side Aston Villa.
Coutinho has fallen out of favour at the Premier League club after initially impressing following his loan move from Barcelona last year.
The 31-year-old eventually made a permanent £17 million ($21 million) move to Villa, but mustered only one goal last season and made just two substitute appearances this term.
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Coutinho was close to tears after suffering a hamstring injury in Villa’s 4-0 win against Everton in August in what proved his last appearance for the club.
Over the period of the entire season, Coutinho did not play apart from the two appearances he notched up before the injury.
Coutinho was able to join Al Duhail despite the Premier League transfer window closing last week because the Qatari deadline is not until September 18.
“Aston Villa can confirm Philippe Coutinho has completed a season-long loan move to Al Duhail,” a club statement said.
“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.”
Coutinho starred for Liverpool from 2013 to 2018, which persuaded Barcelona to pay more than £100 million for his services in 2018.
But, his time at Camp Nou was anything but a fairy tale as heavy is the head that wears the crown that comes with a hefty price tag.
Coutinho was expected to play and take over the position of the Number 10 in the club, one that was left ajar by Argentine Lionel Messi. As one would expect, Coutinho struggled to create any impact in the role at the club, scoring a mere 26 goals in his 106 appearances for the Blaugranas.
But now at Qatar, therein exists an opportunity to reinvent himself and find his own footing. Al Duhail are the reigning Qatari champions having won the Qatar Stars League last season, and they will be hoping that Coutinho adds to the dominance of the side as the season progresses.
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(Inputs taken from agencies)
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – AFP)
