Aston Villa have announced the permanent signing of Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona.
Coutinho, 29, has put pen to paper on a contract until 2026 after impressing on loan.
Barcelona announced they will receive a 20 million euro (£17 million) fee for Coutinho. The Catalan side have inserted a 50 per cent sell-on clause for any future sale of the Brazilian.
The ex-Liverpool playmaker sealed a reunion with Steven Gerrard in January on an initial loan deal.
He has scored four goals in 16 games under his former captain.
Gerrard said of signing Coutinho on a permanent deal: “This is a brilliant signing for Aston Villa. Phil is a model professional and his impact on the group has been very clear since he joined in January.
“With the way he conducts himself on and off the pitch, he’s also a valuable role model for our younger players who can only benefit from his experience.
“As we look to build towards next season, it is incredible to work at a club that executes its business so decisively and smoothly.”
The transfer sees Coutinho cut ties with Barcelona following his initial £105 million move to the Nou Camp from Liverpool in 2018.
Coutinho also spent time on loan at Bayern Munich, where he won the Bundesliga, German Cup and Champions League.
He has been capped 67 times by Brazil.
(Photo: Tim Goode/PA Images via Getty Images)
