Aston Villa star defies Unai Emery with surprise Turkey transfer decided

TEAMtalk staff 06 Feb 2023 12:05 PM

Aston Villa attacker Philippe Coutinho has turned down a potential move to Turkish giants Galatasaray, TEAMtalk understands.

Emery wasted little time reversing multiple decisions former Aston Villa manager Gerrard made in the market. The loan spell of Sevilla’s Ludwig Augustinsson’s was terminated following the arrival of fellow left-back Alex Moreno.

Augustinsson made little impact at Villa Park and upon expiry of his season-long loan, forged a new agreement to join Mallorca for the remainder of the campaign.

Elsewhere, Emery recalled winger Bertrand Traore on deadline day. The 27-year-old was in the midst of a season-long loan at İstanbul Başakşehir.

Explaining that decision, the Telegraph stated Emery wants to get a good look at Traore over the second half of the campaign.

Doing so will in turn allow him to make a better-informed decision on whether to stick or twist on Traore in the summer.

Now, TEAMtalk has learned another move involving a Villa forward and a Turkish club was in the works, though the player in question has vetoed the move.

The Turkish deadline doesn’t roll around until February 8 and as such, their clubs can still forge new signings over the next 48 hours.

Galatasaray are among the busiest at present, with a move for Roma’s Nicolo Zaniolo taking shape.

However, TEAMtalk has learned that deal is only now ramping up after Philippe Coutinho blocked his own potential move to Turkey.

Coutinho sticks with Aston Villa despite Emery snub

Coutinho, who was linked with a move back to his native South America last month, is not interested in a move to the Turkish Super Lig.

Galatasaray were ready to offer Coutinho a loan escape route out of Villa with the offer of regular first-team in the second half of the season.

Coutinho has dropped down the pecking order at Villa since Emery replaced Gerrard at Villa Park in November.

The Brazil international has yet to start a Premier League game under Emery with his only start coming in the shock FA Cup defeat to Stevenage at the start of January.

Coutinho has struggled for form this season since making his loan deal from Barcelona permanent last summer, failing to provide a single goal or assist.

The former Liverpool star is under contract at Villa Park until the summer 2026 and he is one of the highest earners at the club.

A mid-season exit to Galatasaray may have benefitted all involved, though Coutinho has snubbed the move. Zaniolo is now Galatasaray’s primary focus.

Aston Villa Philippe Coutinho