Bruno Guimaraes and Emi Martinez react to Aston Villa transfer news

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Aston Villa have been busy on the transfer front over the past few weeks as Unai Emery looks to fine-tune his squad.

The Villans have made five signings this summer, bringing in Ian Maatsen, Samuel Iling-Junior, Enzo Barrenechea, Lewis Dobbin and Ross Barkley.

Villa have also sold three players, with Douglas Luiz going to Juventus, Tim Iroegbunam linking up with Everton and Morgan Sanson joining Nice.

Now, there has been another outgoing, with a big-name player having departed Villa Park on loan.

READ MORE: Aston Villa in pole position to sign £27m striker who won his club’s Player of the Season award

Bruno Guimaraes and Emi Martinez react as Philippe Coutinho swaps Aston Villa for Vasco da Gama

The player in question is Philippe Coutinho, who has now sealed a season-long switch to boyhood club Vasco da Gama.

Coutinho took to Instagram to welcome his switch to Vasco, writing: “Gratitude, continuation of a dream, the feeling doesn’t stop”.

A number of Coutinho’s peers congratulated him for his return to Vasco.

For instance, Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes posted three heart-eyed emojis, while Villans teammate Emi Martinez posted four heart emojis.

Former Barcelona and Liverpool midfielder Arthur Melo, meanwhile, wrote: “Let’s go, crack!”

Coutinho seals switch to boyhood club in twilight of illustrious career

Coutinho started his career at Vasco before joining Inter Milan in 2008 and embarking on a fruitful career which saw him also play for the likes of Barcelona, Liverpool and Villa.

The 32-year-old joined Villa permanently in January 2022 for £17m initially on loan after former boss Steven Gerrard pushed for his signature.

Coutinho signed from Barcelona for the second half of the 2021/22 campaign, and impressed on his return to the Premier League, with seven goal contributions in his first eight outings at Villa.

However, Coutinho couldn’t live up to his initial heroics in claret and blue, producing just two goal contributions in his next 37 games in all competitions.

Last term, the Brazilian was on loan at Qatari side Al-Duhail, where he registered six goals and three assists in 21 appearances.

It’s a shame that Coutinho has fallen out of favour at Villa, but it’s good to see him make a move back to his boyhood club. Hopefully he’ll shine for them.