Vasco da Gama has secured Philippe Coutinho on a one-year loan from Aston Villa, reintroducing him to São Januário after 14 years. The deal includes a notable clause to deter rival clubs like Botafogo, Flamengo, and Fluminense.
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Should any of these clubs express interest in Coutinho, they would face a staggering R$100 million penalty, a clause insisted upon by Vasco President Pedrinho to shield the club from rival poaching.
🪄🎩 TODO MUNDO JÁ SABE.
O MÁGICO VOLTOU.
COUTINHO É VASCO! 💢#CoutinhoÉVasco#VascoDaGama pic.twitter.com/ksWaOFAcxT
— Vasco da Gama (@VascodaGama) July 10, 2024
This raises questions about market inflation and the potential stifling of player mobility within the league. While it’s a bold move by Vasco, the long-term implications on the club’s finances and relationships with other local teams remain to be seen.