PHILIPPE COUTINHO is ready to stay and fight to win back his place at Aston Villa.
Turkish giants Galatasaray had been linked with an 11th-hour loan deal to land the 30-year-old before today’s Turkish transfer deadline today.
They were keen on the forward, who cost Barcelona £142m in 2018, however Coutinho was happy to honour the four-year deal worth £125,000-a-week which he signed last May.
Table-topping Galatasaray have now switched their attention to Roma’s wantaway midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo who is on the brink of completing an £18million move to the Istanbul giants.
Turkey is still reeling from the devastating effects of the earthquake which caused so much destruction and it is unlikely Galatasaray will make an official approach to Villa at this late stage.
Coutinho was linked with a return to South America last month after falling down the pecking order at Villa Park under new boss Emery.
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The former Liverpool star has not managed a single goal or assist this season and is yet to start a Premier League game since Emery’s arrival.
Coutinho was brought to Villa Park by former Anfield team-mate Steven Gerrard on loan from Barcelona in January 2022.
After an impressive half a year, he signed permanently last summer but struggled to hit the same heights from the first six months.
Coutinho has managed only eight starts in his 20 appearances this season with Emi Buendia and Leon Bailey often picked instead of him.
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Meanwhile Galatasaray are pulling ahead in the Turkish league, having moved six points ahead of Fenerbahce.
The league leaders are unbeaten in nine and look on course for their first league title in four years, dethroning Trabzonspor.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
