Philippe Coutinho set for fairytale return to Vasco da Gama but must wait for Aston Villa release

Coutinho is only waiting for the formality of his Aston Villa contract being terminated in order to become a Vasco da Gama player again for the first time in 16 years. Globo has reported an agreement with Vasco has been reached after Coutinho's representatives began talks two weeks ago. They wanted to get to that stage before requesting that Villa end his contract. Botafogo, Fluminense and Gremio were also interested.

Mutually ending Coutinho's deal two years early is not expected to be a problem. He spent the 2023-24 season on loan with Al-Duhail in Qatar, having not particularly impressed during his sole full campaign at Villa Park and not part of Unai Emery's plans. A much reduced contract is seen as a small price to pay as Coutinho will be heading home to Rio De Janeiro, having left Vasco as a 16-year-old to move to Europe with Inter Milan.

Vasco da Gama will help Coutinho develop his charitable foundation as he seeks to give back to the community. The club appears to have also accepted his request to recruit Souza and Alex Teixeira, both of whom grew up with Coutinho in the Vasco youth ranks. Souza's contract with Istanbul Basaksehir has been terminated to facilitate the move, while Teixeira, once a major target for Liverpool during Coutinho's time there, has been without a club since beng released by Vasco in December.

After spending half of his life in Europe, this move could be the reset that Coutinho needs. He only recently turned 32 and still has plenty of football left to play should he so wish. His arrival should also be a boost to Vasco da Gama, who are struggling just above the relegation zone 12 games into the 2024 Brasileirao season.