Philippe Coutinho joins Qatar’s Al-Duhail on loan from Villa
Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho has joined Qatar Stars League champions Al-Duhail from Aston Villa on a season-long loan, the Premier League club said on Friday.
The 31-year-old Coutinho joined Villa on a permanent deal in 2022, but failed to make an impact last season, scoring one league goal in 20 appearances.
He moves to Al-Duhail after earlier spells with Liverpool, Inter Milan and Barcelona – who signed him for around 142 million pounds ($177.09 million) in 2018, which is the third most expensive transfer in soccer history.
Coutinho has scored 21 goals in 68 internationals but has not played for Brazil since netting in a 5-1 win over South Korea in June last year. Al-Duhail, coached by Argentine Hernan Crespo, are third in the Qatar Stars League, two points behind leaders Al-Rayyan.
Source: eNCA
In other news – RIP: Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi has died
Buthelezi’s death was confirmed in a statement released by his family said: “It is with utter grief that we, the family of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi MP, announce the passing of South Africa’s truest champion and greatest servant, our father, uMntwana wa KwaPhindangene.
Former Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) founder and President Emeritus Prince Mangosuthu Gatsha Buthelezi has died at the age of 95. Read more
