Philippe Coutinho’s agent has said the former Liverpool talisman hopes to stay in the Premier League beyond this season, after linking up with Reds legend Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa.
The Brazilian playmaker has been reunited with his former captain at Liverpool after moving to Villa on loan from Barcelona until the end of the season, with the club also having an option to buy him in the summer.
Coutinho played alongside Gerrard for two-and-a-half seasons at Anfield, with the now-29-year-old developing into the player that was eventually sold for £142m in 2018.
And his agent Kia Joorabchhian has underlined the importance of the role Gerrard played in convincing his former Reds teammate to join him at Villa Park.
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“Once Steven and Philippe had spoken to each other that was done and dusted because obviously they’ve known each other quite well for many years and they’re good friends,” Joorabchian told talkSPORT .
“When they spoke about the way Aston Villa has grown over the last few years and where Steven wants to take them and what Philippe is going to provide, then that was the end of that.
“It was quite fast, to be honest.
“I think for Phil the relationship with Steven was the key and the way that Steven presented the project, that was the moment Phil just made up his mind right away.”
Couitinho has struggled to rediscover his best form since moving to the Camp Nou, with injuries also hampering his progress.
However, the Brazil international has passed his medical with Aston Villa and could be available to face Manchester United on Saturday.
Speaking after his side's defeat to United in the FA Cup on Monday night, Gerrard said that the key to Coutinho unlocking his best performances is to “get him smiling and enjoying his football” .
While Joorabchian is hopeful that a successful loan spell could see his client return to the Premier League on a permanent basis.
“I think so,” Joorabchian said, when asked if Coutinho would stay in England, beyond this season. “I think in the last couple of years we’ve been quite realistic in how we’ve done things and I think Phil is another very good example.”
“The reason to come here and take that step is to then hopefully get a permanent move into the Premier League.
“So I think it’s very realistic and as I think you’ve seen with other clients of ours, it’s not just about the money but it’s about the football.
“He wants to come in and play in the Premier League. He wants to finish his career, I think, at a very high level in the Premier League.”
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