Brazilian forward Philippe Coutinho has joined Qatari side Al Duhail on a season-long loan from Aston Villa on Friday.
Having fallen out of favor at the Premier League club after initially impressing following his loan move from Barcelona last year, the 31-year-old former Liverpool ace eventually made a permanent £17 million move to Villa, but was only able to muster only one goal last season and made just two substitute appearances this term.
Coutinho suffered a severe hamstring injury in Villa’s 4-0 win against Everton in August in what proved his last appearance for the club.
The Brazilian prevailed and was successful in joining Al Duhail despite the Premier League transfer window closing last week because the Qatari deadline is not until 18 September.
“Aston Villa can confirm Philippe Coutinho has completed a season-long loan move to Al Duhail,” a club statement said.
“The Brazilian signed for Villa on loan initially in January 2022 and immediately sparkled in claret and blue, scoring on his debut against Manchester United.
“His impressive performances would later see his move to Villa Park from Barcelona turn permanent and he has made 43 appearances for the club, scoring six goals.”
Coutinho was a hot ace starting regularly for Liverpool from 2013 to 2018, which impressed Barcelona to stump out more than £100 million for his services in 2018.
Al Duhail are the reigning Qatari champions having won the Qatar Stars League last season.