Philippe Coutinho, once one of football’s most expensive players in history, is ‘to tear up his contract’ with Vasco da Gama.
The 33-year-old’s career has deteriorated and never reached the heights it promised after his £145million move from Liverpool to Barcelona in 2018.
Coutinho only re-joined his boyhood side Vasco on a permanent deal last year but it appears the chapter is already coming to an end after he was booed by his own fans.
According to reports in Brazil, he intends to terminate his contract and president Pedrinho has already informed the club’s staff.
The club were taken by surprise by the decision and the manager attempted to get Coutinho to change his mind, according to Globo.
Vasco are expected to make an official statement in due course and Coutinho’s reason for leaving is understood to be his treatment from supporters rather than any dissatisfaction with the sporting project.
Philippe Coutinho is set to terminate his contract with Brazilian side Vasco da Gama
The former Liverpool star (centre) was once sold for £145million but his career went off track
Disquiet with Coutinho has been building among some fans recently and the former Brazil international was said to be upset with being booed at São Januário during a game against Bahia last week.
After the game, head coach Diniz described Coutinho as ‘exceptional’ and a ‘gift’ for Vasco, while also accepting that supporters have the right to boo who they want.
If indeed Coutinho does leave Vasco, it would be the latest disappointing moment in a career that has fizzled out.
He struggled to find a long-term home since leaving the Nou Camp, first joining Bayern Munich and Aston Villa on loan before signing for the Premier League outfit in 2022.
The 33-year-old contributed five goals and three assists during his six-month loan spell at Villa Park.
However, he managed just one goal in 22 games in his first full campaign before joining Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Duhail on loan for the 2023-24 season.
Coutinho initially signed for Vasco on loan last year, scoring five goals and providing three assists in 26 appearances in all competitions as they finished 13th in the Brasileirao Serie A.
This season he has scored seven in 28 matches, a solid return that will see his contract termination rock the club.
Coutinho has scored seven times this season but fans booed him and he is unhappy
Coutinho came through Vasco da Gama’s youth academy before being scouted by Serie A giants Inter Milan in 2008.
He impressed at the San Siro as a youngster ahead of signing for Liverpool in 2013, where he spent another five years before moving to Barcelona in still one of the most expensive transfers of all time.
During his time at Anfield, Coutinho made 152 appearances for the Reds and netted 41 goals.
His sale fee enabled Liverpool to sign a handful of important players under Jurgen Klopp, including Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker.
