Phillipe Coutinho has embarked on a new chapter in his career, securing a season-long loan move to Al-Duhail, the reigning champions of Qatar, departing from Aston Villa. The Brazilian midfielder is seeking to rejuvenate his career outside of English football after facing significant challenges during his time at Villa.
In the current season, Coutinho made just two substitute appearances, a stark contrast to his impressive performance during the 2021-22 season when he first joined Villa from Barcelona. He made a memorable Villa debut, scoring in a 2-2 draw against Manchester United, and went on to contribute five goals and three assists. However, his playing time and form were hampered by injuries and managerial changes, ultimately causing him to miss out on a spot in Brazil’s 2022 World Cup squad.
Coutinho is under contract with Villa until 2026, and should he regain his top form in Qatar, there may be an opportunity for him to return to the Premier League side next summer.