Philippe Coutinho, once among football's most expensive players in history, is poised to terminate his contract with Brazilian club Vasco da Gama. The 33-year-old's career trajectory has sharply declined, never reaching the heights anticipated after his monumental £145 million transfer from Liverpool to Barcelona in 2018.
Fan Discontent Triggers Contract Crisis
Coutinho only rejoined his boyhood side Vasco on a permanent basis last year, but this chapter appears to be ending prematurely. According to reports emerging from Brazil, the midfielder intends to tear up his contract, with club president Pedrinho already informing staff of the decision.
The club was reportedly taken by surprise, and manager Diniz attempted to persuade Coutinho to reconsider. Vasco da Gama is expected to issue an official statement shortly. Sources indicate Coutinho's primary reason for leaving stems from his treatment by supporters, rather than any dissatisfaction with the club's sporting project.
A Career Derailed by Fan Reaction
Disquiet among some Vasco fans has been building, culminating in Coutinho being booed at São Januário during a recent match against Bahia. The former Brazil international was said to be deeply upset by this reception. After the game, head coach Diniz described Coutinho as 'exceptional' and a 'gift' for the club, while acknowledging fans' right to express their opinions.
If Coutinho departs, it marks another disappointing turn in a career that has fizzled out since his Barcelona move. He struggled to find stability after leaving Camp Nou, with loan spells at Bayern Munich and Aston Villa preceding a permanent move to the Premier League side in 2022.
Statistical Decline and Recent Performance
During his six-month loan at Villa Park, Coutinho contributed five goals and three assists. However, his first full campaign yielded just one goal in 22 appearances, leading to a loan move to Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Duhail for the 2023-24 season.
Coutinho initially returned to Vasco on loan last year, scoring five goals and providing three assists in 26 appearances across all competitions, helping the team finish 13th in the Brasileirao Serie A. This season, he has netted seven times in 28 matches—a solid return that makes his impending departure particularly shocking for the club.
From Youth Prospect to Record Transfer
Coutinho's football journey began at Vasco da Gama's youth academy before he was scouted by Serie A giants Inter Milan in 2008. After impressing at the San Siro, he signed for Liverpool in 2013, spending five years at Anfield where he made 152 appearances and scored 41 goals.
His £145 million sale to Barcelona remains one of the most expensive transfers in football history. The fee enabled Liverpool to sign key players like Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker under manager Jurgen Klopp, fundamentally strengthening the squad.
Now, at 33, Coutinho's career has come full circle with a tumultuous exit from his boyhood club, highlighting how fan relations can dramatically alter a player's path in the sport.
