By Noel Whelan

14th May, 2022 | 9:10am

Philippe Coutinho: Aston Villa to now exploit transfer clause after £17m reveal - pundit

Noel Whelan has tipped Aston Villa to use Barcelona’s 50 per cent sell-on clause for Philippe Coutinho “to their advantage” after completing a permanent deal.

The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested Villa would look to get the best out of the 29-year-old for the next four to five years.

As confirmed by Barcelona on Thursday (12 May), Coutinho has joined the Villans permanently for £17million (€20million).

The Catalan giants revealed they have included a 50 per cent sell-on clause in the terms of the deal.

However, Whelan admitted he cannot see Villa cashing in on Coutinho before the end of his contract.

As such, he suggested the clause has worked in favour of Steven Gerrard’s men.

Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “I can’t see a sell-on. I can only see them using this to their advantage.

“If he keeps himself fit, like he will do, there might be an extra year added on after this current deal that’s already in place. I think they’ll be grasping to get too much once you get to a certain age. Goalkeepers maybe, but not outfield players.

“He’s 29-years-of-age, he’s going to be 33, 34. When you get to that point, you’re not going to really generate the money or capital on a player at that age where 50 per cent is going to be that important to a club like Barcelona.

“I think Villa will use that to their advantage. They’ve got a great player with some of the best football still in front of him. It’s probably the last best bit of football in front of him. They’ll use it to their advantage.”

Coutinho has scored four goals and contributed three assists in 16 Premier League appearances on loan at Aston Villa.

In other news, £50million Ollie Watkins transfer claim issued after West Ham twist.