Coutinho is expected to depart Villa Park before the end of the summer transfer window, having played a limited role under Unai Emery last season. After a loan spell at Villa, the Brazilian international returned to the Premier League in May 2022, but his comeback to English football has not been easy. Injuries have contributed to Coutinho's inactivity, but Emery is unimpressed by the former La Blaugrana striker and is willing to trade him.
Coutinho made just seven Premier League appearances in 2022/23, while Emery guided Villa to a UEFA Europa Conference League spot at the conclusion of the season. Coutinho was pursued by two Saudi teams in June, according to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, as part of the ongoing Saudi Pro League recruiting campaign. The experienced attacker has also been approached by a squad in Qatar, with Villa valuing him at roughly €10 million.