Fans stunned after finding out Aston Villa's asking price for Philippe Coutinho

Fans have been left stunned after finding out Aston Villa's asking price for Philippe Coutinho.

The 31-year-old midfielder moved to Villa Park initially on loan back in 2022 before signing permanently from Barcelona.

His connection with then-manager Steven Gerrard with whom he used to play with at Liverpool was thought to be the reason behind the transfer.

Since Gerrard left he has really struggled, scoring just one goal in 20 league games in his first full season at the club before being sent on loan to Qatari outfit Al-Duhail this season.

It has since been clear that manager Unai Emery sees no future for the once world-class player who reportedly earns £135k a week.

Villa have now set a price tag believed to be around £6 million to £8 million for anyone wishing to buy Coutinho, according to journalist Rudy Galetti.

However, given his high wages, it's unlikely the player will want to leave unless a club can match what he's earning.

The news of the price tag left some fans in shock not realising that Coutinho still played for the club.

One comment read " I didn't even realise he was still there" with another fan posting "He should have never left Liverpool."

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Coutinho is best known for his five-and-a-half-year spell at Anfield where he became the club's and one of the Premier League's most talented players.

He ultimately forced a move to Barcelona in 2018 for an initial fee of £105 million but it all went downhill from there.

The Brazillian fell out of favour and was sent on loan to Bayern Munich before eventually being sold to Villa.

His rapid decline is often talked about, with the transfer to Barcelona seen as one of the worst signings ever.

There's clearly a talent there but a loss of confidence over a number of years seems to have taken its toll.