Coutinho’s move from Barcelona to Aston Villa is complete, announcement soon

Stuck in the deep trenches of financial trouble, Barcelona’s ability to compete with the top dogs in European football almost entirely depends on their current group of stars. They cannot register players till the wage bill is brought down significantly. Of course, the best way to do that is to work on exit operations.

One such move that is on its way to the finish line is Philippe Coutinho’s. The Brazilian is departing to Aston Villa on loan, and the announcement could be made this morning itself, according to Samuel Marsden. Reports yesterday suggested that he is already looking for a house in Birmingham ahead of his move.

The two parties seemed to be at crossroads regarding the purchase option, which Barça wanted to be mandatory. Villa, however, pushed for an optional clause. The recent reports suggest that the latter has been pursued, but the loan could be for 18 months instead of six.

Coutinho has been a shadow of his former self this season, which is saying something because he was never an impressive player at Barcelona. Despite two goals to his name, the 29-year-old has created just the one chance all season.

His exit means that Barcelona will be able to register Ferran Torres, the man they signed for €55 million from Manchester City. The Spaniard could make his debut in the Spanish Supercup in Saudi Arabia against Real Madrid.