Flamengo are reportedly interested in signing Aston Villa star Philippe Coutinho, with Unai Emery believed to be open to a deal in the January window if the Brazilian side can make the transfer permanent.
According to Coluna do Fla, the South American giants are keen on signing a superstar player in 2023, with Coutinho emerging as an option for Flamengo as the Copa Libertadores holders believe the Villa star could be open to joining the club on loan.
However, as per the report, Emery is not sold on loaning out Coutinho, with the Spanish manager open to selling the Brazilian international on a permanent deal if Flamengo are capable of offering a suitable transfer fee for the former FC Barcelona star.
Coutinho only signed for Villa on a permanent deal this summer for a reported £17m. However, after lighting up the Premier League last season on loan, the playmaker has struggled massively for form this campaign, with the 30-year-old yet to score or assist in the top flight in 13 appearances.
With Steven Gerrard being sacked and Emery coming in to replace the English coach, there are now some question marks over Coutinho’s future at Villa Park, which is why singing for a club like Flamengo isn’t as far-fetched as first thought.
Indeed, the Rio de Janeiro side are regarded by many as the biggest club in Brazil, and for Coutinho, returning to his home country after another poor season in Europe could be an appealing prospect for the Villa star, especially with Emery open to selling the attacker to Flamengo.
Flamengo signing could gift Coutinho a career reset
Lauded as ‘amazing’ by former Liverpool teammate Roberto Firmino, Coutinho is once again looking like a shell of the player we have seen the Brazilian operate as in the past, with the playmaker performing for Villa as he did during his lowest days at Barcelona. Which is why a return to Brazil could do the 30-year-old a world of good.
After all, Coutinho is been subpar at best this season for Villa. And whilst there’s still a chance that the playmaker can recapture his form in the second half of the campaign, Emery’s openness to selling the Brazilian is a clear hint that the Spaniard is willing to move on at Villa Park without the former Liverpool star amongst his ranks.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
