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| Philippe Coutinho Officially Joins Vasco da Gama on Permanent Deal After Leaving Aston Villa: Full Transfer Details. |
Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho has officially returned to his boyhood club, Vasco da Gama, completing a permanent transfer from Aston Villa. After spending the previous season on loan in Brazil, the 33-year-old has now signed a one-year contract to stay with the Rio de Janeiro-based club.
This move marks a full-circle moment in Coutinho’s professional journey, taking him back to where it all began.
Coutinho first joined Aston Villa on loan in January 2022 from FC Barcelona, a deal that quickly turned into a permanent transfer just four months later. Despite early promise, his last appearance for the Premier League club came in August 2023 before returning to Brazil on loan.
During his time in the Premier League—playing for both Liverpool and Aston Villa—Coutinho scored 47 goals and provided 38 assists in 193 appearances, showcasing his creative playmaking and long-range shooting. His most notable season came in 2016–2017, where he netted 13 goals, becoming the second-highest scoring midfielder behind Dele Alli that year.
Beyond the Premier League, Coutinho has also played for Inter Milan, Espanyol, Bayern Munich, and Al-Duhail in Qatar, building an impressive international résumé across top European leagues.
Speaking after the official announcement, Coutinho expressed his joy at staying in Brazil permanently:
“Renewing my contract with Vasco is a moment of great happiness. This is my home — where I grew up, studied, and where my family feels truly connected. I look forward to a year of hard work and dedication with my teammates,” said Coutinho.
Coutinho has made 88 appearances for Vasco so far, scoring 13 goals. While his statistics may not reflect the peak performance from his European years, his presence is expected to boost the squad both on and off the pitch.
Why This Transfer Matters for Vasco da Gama and Brazilian Football
Philippe Coutinho’s permanent move to Vasco da Gama is more than just a sentimental return. It represents a growing trend among Brazilian footballers choosing to return home and contribute to the development of domestic football.
For Vasco, the experience, leadership, and skillset Coutinho brings will be invaluable as the club aims to rebuild and compete more aggressively in national competitions. His return also gives younger players a role model to look up to, someone who has played at the highest level in Europe.
This transfer sends a strong message: Brazilian clubs are becoming more attractive destinations not only for emerging talents but also for seasoned professionals ready to bring their global experience back home.
