Philippe Coutinho dispels Aston Villa exit rumours

• Aston Villa forward Philippe Coutinho has denied rumours he is planning to leave the club
• There was news doing round earlier this week that the forward is planning to leave the club in the January transfer window
• Coutinho has had to struggle for fitness and game time since making his deal with Villa permanent

Brazilian international Philippe Coutinho has dispelled rumours that he wants to quit Aston Villa, calling them “falsehoods” and putting an end to rumours that he is considering doing so.

The former playmaker, who has played for Liverpool and Barcelona, first arrived at Villa Park in January on a temporary loan under Steven Gerrard, with whom he shared the Liverpool team.

When a good stint during the off-season, Barca offered a permanent transfer, but Unai Emery took over as manager of the Midlands side after Steven Gerrard was fired in October.

Philippe Coutinho in action for Aston Villa during a past match in the Premier League. | PHOTO: Transfer Tavern |

Reports emerged earlier this month the 30-year-old was seeking a departure in the January transfer window, but Coutinho has taken to social media to rubbish those claims.

“In the last few days, I’ve seen a lot of news with my name,” he said in an Instagram post. “The problem is now that some lies have started, and I’m here to clarify.

“Never, and at any moment, [have I] had any conversation asking to leave the club, because I’m happy here and my family [are] too.

“My only focus now that I’ve recovered from injury is to work at the maximum every day, to play [at] a high level, and help the club and my team-mates to achieve our goals.”

As a result of his troubles with form and injuries thus far in the season, Coutinho has been forced to drop out of Brazil’s World Cup roster.

Aston Villa forward Philippe Coutinho has been dropped from the Brazil national team. | PHOTO: Telegraph |

In 19 Premier League games during his initial loan period, he had eight goal involvements (five goals, three assists), but in 13 league games, when the move was made permanent, he had none.

Meanwhile, in Coutinho’s former team, Liverpool, a new midfielder has landed this week. The Reds have signed Netherlands international Cody Gakpo amidst public questions about where the youngster will play in Jurgen Klopp’s team.

Klopp has suggested that new signing Cody Gakpo is most likely to play on the left of a front three but has praised the 23-year-old’s versatility to fill a number of different attacking positions if needed.

Gakpo, who had an outstanding 18 months at PSV Eindhoven and lately also starred at the FIFA World Cup for the Netherlands, has now been acquired by the Reds in a deal worth up to £50 million.

Liverpool ultimately prevailed over their Premier League rivals, Manchester United, in what may turn out to be one of the greatest moves in January. Manchester United had been leading the pursuit.

“He’s a really, really good player so the package is really interesting. That’s why we were very interested to get him in and I’m really happy we could do it,” Klopp said at a press conference on Thursday, adding that it was a ‘great day’ for all involved.