Qatari clubs ‘insist on signing Philippe Coutinho’ and ready to fight Saudis in transfer war for Aston Villa flop
PHILIPPE COUTINHO is wanted by several Qatari clubs amid transfer interest from Saudi Arabia.
The Aston Villa flop has been strongly linked with a move away from the Midlands this summer.
Coutinho played just three minutes in their opening weekend thrashing away to Newcastle last Saturday as his Villa woes continue.
Since Unai Emery’s arrival in November, the Brazilian has made just ten appearances, scoring once.
His chances could also now be limited further following the signing of Nicolo Zaniolo on Friday.
However, Coutinho could be offered an exit from Villa Park, with clubs in the Middle East eyeing a move.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Qatari teams are pushing to sign the 31-year-old before the end of the transfer window.
The report adds that there have also been approaches from Saudi Arabia, with Coutinho able to leave Villa if the right offer is made.
A reunion with Steven Gerrard has been rumoured if Coutinho were to head to the Saudi Pro League.
Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq have been tipped as a potential destination for the playmaker.
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The pair previously played together at Liverpool and Gerrard even signed Coutinho for Villa in 2022.
He scored five goals and provided three assists for the club before Gerrard was sacked.
Elsewhere, Turkish side Besiktas are also reportedly targeting a move for Coutinho.