Philippe Coutinho is reportedly close to securing a new club, with Birmingham Live claiming the former Aston Villa midfielder is set to move to Santos on a contract running until the end of the season. The 34-year-old has been without a team since departing Vasco da Gama seven months ago.
According to the outlet, Santos shared footage on social media showing Coutinho entering the dressing room and being greeted by compatriot Neymar. Coutinho himself is said to have posted on Instagram expressing enthusiasm about the fresh challenge and his happiness at arriving in Brazil.
His exit from Vasco in February was accompanied by a lengthy statement in which he described feeling mentally exhausted. He wrote that he needed to step back to prioritise his wellbeing, adding that he would never disrespect the fans or his teammates and that his cycle at the club had naturally come to an end.
Coutinho first arrived at Villa Park on loan from Barcelona in January 2022 before Steven Gerrard secured him on a permanent basis that summer. His subsequent spell as a fully contracted player failed to meet expectations, and he eventually moved on to continue his career in South America.
No transfer fee has been mentioned in connection with the reported move to Santos. With the summer window having closed on 1 September, any registration would fall outside Premier League regulations, though Brazilian domestic deadlines operate independently.
Aston Villa have not commented on their former player's situation. Should the arrangement be formally announced, it will bring an end to a prolonged period away from competitive football for a player who once featured among the most expensive transfers in the sport.
