Coutinho set to join Al-Duhail

Al-Duhail are on the verge of finalizing an agreement to acquire Philippe Coutinho, the midfielder from Aston Villa.

A transfer fee was agreed upon by both clubs several weeks ago, although there were initial concerns regarding the midfielder’s physical condition.

Nevertheless, there is now a growing belief in Qatar that the deal will be successfully completed in the upcoming days.

Speaking on Friday, Villa manager Unai Emery said: “He (Coutinho) is close to leaving, but we are waiting to see if the deal is complete or not. Philippe is a very good person and always we have to respect him as a person, firstly.

“Secondly, as a player, he has played at a very high level. He has not been consistent because of injuries and we decided with him speaking and agreeing with him to try that if something is good for him, and good for the club, and for the squad, we can let him leave.

“Then he can find his good performance as a player. Then it’s whether he completes it or not.”

Former club Barcelona will be due 50 per cent of Coutinho’s fee.