'The worst' - Barcelona fans pile in as Philippe Coutinho to Aston Villa transfer 'completed'

Aston Villa have 'completed' the permanent signing of Philippe Coutinho and are 'expected' to announce the news very shortly, according to reports.

Coutinho, 29, was signed by Barcelona from Liverpool for around £142 million in 2018. However, the Brazilian failed to live up to the expectations that his huge transfer fee demanded, which ultimately led to him pursuing a loan move back to the Premier League in January, as he reunited with former teammate Steven Gerrard at Villa.

Villa now look set to complete the signing of the player on a permanent deal, after impressing both the Villa boss and the fanbase since arriving. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed the details of the deal between the two clubs and outlined that he believes the signing of Gerrard's former Liverpool teammate is 'expected very soon'.

Romano said on Twitter: "Official statement expected very soon for Philippe Coutinho to join Aston Villa on a permanent deal. Agreement completed yesterday, part of paperworks already signed few hours ago. #AVFC Barcelona will receive around €20m, included in this year financial balance."

Barcelona fans have since reacted to the news by saying:

Good news for Stevie G and Philippe.

Bought a player for £145 million and now selling for £20 million.

Profit/loss = -£100 million. Bad business for Barcelona.

Lol wow.

From £140m to £20m oof.

Barcelona did the worst business with this player.

Talk about a dip and a steal.

Coutinho, Frenkie de Jong looks like they're going to leave. Dembele's about to leave on a free. Who else is joining Barca's mass exodus? Interesting to see.

Goodbye Philippe. Wish you all the best at Villa.

Finally.