Football TransfersAston Villa Confirm Philippe Coutinho is Signing on a Sensational Six-month loan Deal
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Aston Villa has completed the sensational loan signing of Phillipe Coutinho from Barcelona. 

In what will be one of the most exciting moves of the entire window, the Brazil star has agreed to return to the Premier League until the end of the season. 

The deal, which Villa said on Friday is subject to completion of a medical and receiving a work permit, includes an option to buy and sees Coutinho reunited with his former Liverpool team-mate Steven Gerrard. 

Indeed, Villa boss Gerrard was the key factor in Coutinho’s decision to sign for Villa given his close relationship with the Anfield legend. 

Following talks with Gerrard, attacking midfielder Coutinho was completely left convinced that a move to Villa Park was the right move for him. 

And there is massive confidence at Villa that Coutinho will hit the ground running to become one of the stars of the second half of the season. 

Sportsmail revealed Villa’s efforts to sign Coutinho on Wednesday afternoon and the deal has moved rapidly since then. 

A number of clubs across the Premier League and Europe were keen on Coutinho but the influence of Gerrard has been key in the 29-year-old choosing Villa. 

Villa are 13th in the Premier League table but have made a promising start to life under Gerrard, who replaced Dean Smith as manager in November. 

Coutinho has played 16 times for Barcelona so far this season, with two goals to his name. 

His Nou Camp departure will trim the wage bill and help Xavi register Ferran Torres following his £55million arrival from Manchester City.

Villa are in action against Manchester United in the FA Cup this weekend and they return to Premier League action on January 15, also against United. 

Barcelona signed Coutinho for £145m in January 2018 from Liverpool. Coutinho spent five years at Anfield, with Brendan Rodgers signing him from Inter Milan in the winter transfer window in 2013.