Just in: Barcelona about to sell Coutinho to Aston Villa for €20 million

According to a recent report published by Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are about to close the sale of Philippe Coutinho to Aston Villa for €20 million.

Coutinho moved to Villa in the winter on a six-month loan deal that included a €40 million buy option. However, the price tag has been deemed too high by the Premier League club.

Due to the urgent need to raise money through player sales, though, Barcelona’s hands have been forced into selling the Brazilian for €15-20 million.

There is also pressure from Villa manager Steven Gerrard, who has publicly spoken about his desire to keep Coutinho at the club after the loan deal ends. He has scored four goals and assisted three in 15 games, but is currently without any contributions in the last seven games

“We want Coutinho here,” Gerrard said in a recent press conference.

A €20 million boost through his sale will give Barcelona the ammunition to complete signings in the summer. An outline to bring in nearly seven to eight players has been laid, but the transfer targets are still a blur. This should be along summer for the Camp Nou faithful.