Coutinho's Miami bound? Olunga's teammate eyes move to join Messi

Coutinho's Miami bound? Olunga's teammate eyes move to join Messi

Festus Chuma 10:00 - 23.05.2024

Philippe Coutinho may reunite with former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi in Major League Soccer.

Michael Olunga's teammate at Al-Duhail SC, Philippe Coutinho, could be setting his sights on a sensational move to Inter Miami joining football icons Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. 

Reports emerging from various sports news outlets suggest that the Brazilian playmaker is attracting significant interest from the Major League Soccer side.

Despite only playing 24 minutes for Aston Villa since February 2023, Coutinho's prowess on the field remains undeniable. 

His contract with Villa, which extends for another two years following a permanent transfer from Barcelona in 2022, includes an intriguing clause that might see him head to the Americas. 

The 31-year-old midfielder, whose career began in Brazil with Vasco da Gama, is now poised for a potential reunion with Messi, his former Barcelona teammate.

As per The Sun, interest from Inter Miami comes at a time when Coutinho’s options seem to be widening. 

Apart from MLS, he has also been linked with a return to Brazil, where Vasco da Gama is reportedly ready to make a loan offer that includes an obligation to buy, valuing him between £4 million and £6 million.

 This move would mark a significant drop from the staggering £140 million Barcelona paid Liverpool for his services in 2018, a transfer that remains one of the highest in football history.

Coutinho's time at Aston Villa has been less than stellar, marred by limited playtime and injuries that have seen him fall out of favor under manager Unai Emery. 

Last season, he managed just one goal in 20 league appearances. His stint at Al-Duhail, however, has seen a slight resurgence, with Coutinho finding the back of the net six times in 20 matches.

His career has been plagued with injuries, including multiple hamstring issues and a severe knee injury, leading to him missing 84 matches across his stints with Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Brazil, Villa, and Al-Duhail over the past six years.

The potential move to Inter Miami would not only reunite him with Messi but also offer Coutinho a fresh start in a league known for revitalizing the careers of several renowned players. 

Follow us on X (Twitter) for more updates.