Aston Villa transfer news: Gerrard seals 'massive coup for English football' with Coutinho deal

Daily Mail journalist Sami Mokbel has lauded Aston Villa’s capture of Philippe Coutinho, insisting that the signing of the Brazil international is a “massive coup” for the entire Premier League.

The attacking midfielder has joined Villa on loan from Barcelona, with Steven Gerrard’s side holding the option to buy him permanently in the summer.

They embarked on an impressive January transfer window.

The club also signed Lucas Digne from Everton on a permanent basis, bringing him in for a fee of £27m after he fell out with then-Toffees manager Rafael Benitez prior to his sacking.

In addition to signing both Coutinho and Digne, Villa signed Calum Chambers on a free transfer from Arsenal and also secured the loan signing of goalkeeper Robin Olsen from AS Roma.

Villa have strengthened both their defence and their midfield, as a result, as the club look to climb the Premier League table.

Gerrard’s men are currently 11th, level on points with 10th-placed Leicester City, and will surely be aiming for a top-10 finish for the remainder of the campaign.

Coutinho has already been playing for Villa, making his debut against Manchester United as a substitute at Villa Park.

Villa came from 2-0 down, with the Brazilian scoring the equalising goal in the 81st minute after rising from the bench.

Coutinho then started the clash with Everton, as Villa won 1-0, and Mokbel has been delighted to see the former Liverpool man return to the top-flight.

Indeed, during his time with the Reds, the 29-year-old made 201 appearances and scored 54 goals, while laying on 45 assists, although he did not manage to win a trophy at Anfield.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, he said: “To have him back in the Premier League is a massive coup for Villa and a massive,