Aston Villa Eye Loaning Philippe Coutinho to MLS After Unsuccessful Qatar Stint With Al Duhail: Reports

Philippe Coutinho. The once-promising Brazilian superstar now stands as a relic of the past. Following a disastrous few stints in Europe, the ex-Liverpool star went on a loan spell to Qatar with Al Duhail. However, the move to Qatar was a flop. So his parent club, Aston Villa, is looking to send him on an MLS voyage. This surprising report comes from MLS Multiplex, which claims that the Premier League side is searching for a potential MLS team where Coutinho can play. So, what is ahead for him?

The midfielder’s current loan contract with Al Duhail has expired and the Qatari Stars League winners aren’t interested in keeping him at Doha anymore. He will be sent back to Aston Villa during this winter transfer window. The Lions intend on securing a move away from the attacking star.

Unfortunately, after arriving in September, Philippe Coutinho made just 6 starts in the Stars League, playing 419 minutes, where he managed to score two goals. Moreover, the former Barcelona outcast also made just 3 appearances in the AFC Champions League and again bagged two goals and an assist, which came against Al Nassr during the group stages. The numbers are indeed not strong enough to impress the defending champions. 

Although the option of MLS is being considered, Villa is keeping the door open to exploring other possibilities. The English club is willing to entertain the prospect of transferring Coutinho to any team that expresses interest. Despite MLS hailing over 29 teams, finding a potential suitor for Coutinho can be hard. However, with the ongoing transfer window and a dire need to bolster the squad before the season starts, the midfielder may come in handy for a few teams. 

Which MLS clubs can Philippe Coutinho be helpful to?

The first name is Inter Miami. Not only because Philippe Coutinho was one of Lionel Messi‘s former teammates, but also because La Pulga and other ex-Barcelona friends like Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets can help him find his stardom back. Also, they have extra space to sign an international player now that Kamal Miller has departed. Likewise, the arrival of Hugo Lloris to LAFC might be the start of a new trend, possibly a new destination.

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Meanwhile, LA Galaxy needs a squad overhaul and can add the 31-year-old to their ranks. Coutinho can end the San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City’s search for a No. 10, with Phil Neville’s Portland Timbers also in dire need of signing attacking DPs. Finally, thanks to the Brazilian star’s versatility, he can also play for Charlotte FC, the Seattle Sounders, and St. Louis City as a winger, while D.C. United and Toronto FC can sign him as a midfielder. 

The final decision rests with Ashton Villas and fans can only wait and watch what happens over the next few months. Where should Philippe Coutinho play next? Let us know your choices in the comments. 

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