Aston Villa announce signing of Coutinho on loan - with further option to buy at the end of season

Aston Villa have today announced the return of Philippe Coutinho to the Premier League - as the Brazilian joins them on a six-month loan with a further option to buy at the end of the season.

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Following a couple days of speculation around the transfer, it was today announced that the Brazilian would return to the Premier League as well as returning to work with Steven Gerrard, subject to medical and a work permit being granted.

It was also announced that the Premier League outfit have the option to purchase the 29 year old attacking midfielder for £33m at the end of the season.

Philippe Coutinho has spent the last four years contracted to Barcelona, but spent one of them in Germany as he looked to relaunch his career at Bayern Munich.

The Brazilian made 39 appearances in Germany during the 19/20 season, contributing towards 25 goals - making that his best personal tally in the past four season.

However, despite an improvement in in form, the Barcelona board thought it was in the best interests of the club and the player for him to leave as soon as possible.

There were four other Premier League teams showing interest in a move for the player, but ultimately Coutinho was in favour of working with Steven Gerrard again.

Arsenal, Everton, Newcastle and Tottenham were the four with reported interest.

On Thursday, prior to the announcement of the transfer, Steven Gerrard described the player as being a "special footballer" but that if the media would keep asking about a possible transfer for Coutinho then they "would be in for a long day".