Love, trust and affection - Inside the £17.2million Aston Villa transfer to land Philippe Coutinho

Aston Villa pulled off arguably one of their biggest coups in recent memory to land decorated Brazilian Philippe Coutinho for a fee in the region of £17.2million. The 29-year-old has also committed to a reported £125,000-a-week salary, taking a 70 per cent pay cut from his near £470,000-a-week - before tax - wage packet at Barcelona.

Coutinho ranks ninth in terms of Villa's record deals, below Darren Bent (£18m), Tyrone Mings (£20m), Wesley (£22m) and others with his little mate, Emi Buendia, top of the shop following his £33million move from Norwich last summer. Buendia has been jostling for a starting position with his fellow South American with head coach Steven Gerrard reluctant to go with two No.10s of late. You'd think there would be a little bit of envy on Buendia's part knowing Coutinho has often been Gerrard's pick to start but that simply couldn't be further from the truth. "Congratulations, Mago," Buendia wrote last night following Coutinho's big announcement. "The show must go on!"

It must be stressed that Buendia was a key player in this deal. Coutinho warmed to the 25-year-old immediately, with Buendia really helping Coutinho settle into his new surroundings back in January. Douglas Luiz is another who, this week, shared his 24th birthday high up in Birmingham's Cube with family, friends, Coutinho and his wife, Ainee who, last night, spoke of her delight at her husband's happiness. "Glory to God for this moment," she said. "Seeing that smile on your face is priceless. May we be very happy in our new home."

The Villa dressing room is buzzing off the back of Coutinho's decision to stay, with the playmaker thanking his teammates via Instagram, adding: "I thank the club and the coaching staff for their