Steven Gerrard wants to make permanent move for Barcelona winger, salary is an issue

Philippe Coutinho has looked like a man reborn since his January loan move to Aston Villa. The Brazilian playmaker is seemingly playing some of his best football after four years filled with struggles at Barcelona.

Coutinho made a stunning debut for Villa against Manchester United, helping them salvage a point with a 2-2 draw in the Premier League. His best, though, was on display this past weekend when he ran the show for the Midlands club in their 4-0 victory over Southampton.

Coutinho was named Aston Villa’s Player of the Month for February. In seven games for the Premier League side, he has scored three goals and assists apiece. Manager Steven Gerrard dropped a huge hint recently that the club wished to sign him permanently.

Now a fresh report from The Telegraph reaffirms the stance of the former Liverpool captain, stating that Aston Villa, indeed, wish to capture Coutinho’s signing on a permanent basis.

The Midlands outfit have the option of converting his loan into a permanent move by triggering a €40 million buy option at the end of the season. However, a move would be dictated by the Brazilian’s wage demands.

Coutinho is the highest earner at Barcelona, pocketing a massive salary of €30 million per season, which roughly translates to around £480,000 per week. However, it is a figure that would be well beyond the means of Villa.

When the Villans signed him in January, they agreed to cover 25% of it, i.e., £120,000-a-week. Their previous highest earner was ex-captain Jack Grealish, who used to earn £130,000 per week in his final season at the club.

So, unless Coutinho is willing to take a massive pay cut, a permanent transfer to Villa Park could prove tricky. It has led to the club considering the possibility of extending his loan spell for another season, even though Gerrard wants his ex-Liverpool teammate on a full-time basis.