The negotiations are taking longer than expected, which indicates that Philippe Coutinho’s return to Vasco da Gama is a complicated dream to materialize, but possible. The president of the Carioca institution, Pedrinho, revealed that there is already a concrete offer made and highlighted the player’s desire for the situation to reach a successful conclusion.
“Of course, he is coveted by other clubs. But a very positive point is that he has a strong desire to come and play for Vasco. His first, second and third option are Vasco. That’s great,” said the director in a press conference.
“We have already made the proposal to Coutinho, it is being evaluated, with adjustments. He is leaving a lot to come here. He is making an absurd effort. Everything is prepared and going well. We really want to have a happy ending,” he added.
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The attacking midfielder has already made progress in terminating his contract with Aston Villa, the club that owned his registration and was not going to have him in their plans. He comes from a not-so-glorious stint with Al Duhail in Qatari football.
Thus, the 32-year-old former Liverpool and Barcelona player could return to Vasco da Gama as a free agent. His children have already been enrolled in a school in Rio de Janeiro, a clear sign that he is thinking about his present and future in the city.
Coutinho was formed in the Vasco youth academy and there he caught the attention of Inter Milan, who signed him in 2008 when the player was only 16 years old. Until he reached the age of majority, he lived a short but intense stage with the Carioca club, standing out with spectacular goals and performances that earned him praise from all.
After avoiding relegation on the final day of the last Brasileirão, this season also did not start well for the team that also has Frenchman Dimitri Payet. One point from the relegation zone, they have only managed two wins, one draw and six defeats, and are trying to shore up their path after the arrival of Portuguese Álvaro Pacheco as coach.
