Pedro Lourenco, the new owner of Cruzeiro, has expressed interest in sending Philippe Coutinho, a Brazilian international and 68-time Aston Villa midfielder, back to his native country this summer.

The 31-year-old, who cost an incredible £120 million to sign with Barcelona, came to Villa Park in January 2022 for a six-month loan.

Steven Gerrard, the manager at the time, decided to make Coutinho’s move permanent after he scored five goals in 19 Premier League games.

The midfielder cost £17 million, which seemed like a big coup at the time.

After managing just one goal in 20 league games during his first full season, Coutinho was loaned out to Al-Duhail SC, where he has once again fallen short of expectations.

Although it is difficult to see the Brazilian, who was once thought to be one of the most exciting players in the world of football, returning to Brazil is Lourenco’s ideal scenario, especially if the rumours that Coutinho’s contract will be terminated are accurate.

For example, Coutinho is a tremendous dream. It is our great hope to have him here. A player such as that,” he remarked to Globo. “We’ll do everything in our power to bring Coutinho in; he’s a great dream.”