Transfers

Aston Villa’s Philippe Coutinho ‘agrees personal terms’ with Qatar side Al Duhail

Aston Villa attacker Philippe Coutinho has reportedly agreed terms with Qatar side Al Duhail, although the Premier League club will have the final word on a possible transfer.

Coutinho joined Villa initially on loan from Barcelona in January last year, before making the move permanent in the summer.

But the Brazilian made just 22 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring one goal, and has featured for only 24 minutes in two substitute appearances this term under Unai Emery.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the 31-year-old has now agreed personal terms with Qatari side Al Duhail, with Aston Villa set to make a final decision on his future.

Negotiations are expected to continue between the two clubs in the coming days.

Coutinho has struggled since leaving Liverpool for Barcelona in 2018, having scored 54 goals in 201 appearances in an impressive spell for the Reds.

The Brazilian did win the Champions League while on loan at Bayern Munich in 2020, but more often than not been a bench player for all three of his clubs since he left Liverpool and could now be on the move again.

Transfers

Kelechi Iheanacho open to return to Sevilla after Middlesbrough loan move

'Not Good Enough' - Sevilla To Offload Kelechi Iheanacho In January Transfer Category

Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho has not ruled out the possibility of returning to Spanish club Sevilla.

Iheanacho recently moved to Sky Bet Championship club Middlesbrough on loan, marking a return to England six months after leaving Leicester City for Sevilla.

The 28-year-old forward expressed his fondness for his time at Sevilla, stating, “Obviously, it’s good to leave (England). To feel like I’m in a different environment. It’s a good atmosphere there. It’s a great club. I’ve loved my experience there.”

He continued, “Sevilla is a great team. I’ll always be happy to go back there. I’m here now. I’m focused on what I can achieve here.”

Iheanacho signed a two-season deal with Sevilla, with an option for a third season, after joining the club on a free transfer following his time at Leicester City.

Transfers

Chelsea sign Mathis Amougou from St Etienne for €15 Million

Chelsea have completed the signing of 19-year-old midfielder Mathis Amougou from French Ligue 1 side St Etienne for a fee of €15 million.

Amougou, who is regarded as a highly promising talent, has signed an eight-year contract with the Blues. However, the midfielder is expected to be sent on loan to Strasbourg for the upcoming season, with plans for a return to Chelsea in 2026.

The transfer was confirmed by football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on his official X handle, stating:
“Officially confirmed. Mathis Amougou joins Chelsea as a talented 19-year-old midfielder from St Etienne, costing a €15m package. Contract valid for the next 8 years. Amougou will be part of the Chelsea team, then set to go on loan to Strasbourg next season and back in 2026.”

Chelsea fans will be eager to see how Amougou develops during his time at Strasbourg before making his return to Stamford Bridge in the future.

Transfers

Mikel criticizes Chelsea’s January transfer decisions

Former Super Eagles midfielder John Obi Mikel has voiced his concerns over Chelsea’s failure to strengthen two critical areas during the January transfer window.

Despite a strong start under new manager Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s form has dipped, winning only three of their last nine matches across all competitions.

The Blues now sit fourth in the Premier League, 13 points behind leaders Liverpool.

Fans and analysts identified the need for reinforcements in two key positions—goalkeeper and striker. Robert Sánchez has been error-prone, topping the list for mistakes leading to goals this season. Meanwhile, Nicolas Jackson has endured a goal drought, failing to score in his last eight games.

Speaking on his podcast, Mikel highlighted the missed opportunity: “For me, that’s something we’re crying out for. We need another top striker. The window is shut, unfortunately, and now we can’t bring anyone in.”

He added: “We didn’t bring in a striker, we didn’t bring in a goalkeeper. That’s another window shut without us making the signings we think are going to help us finish in the top four.”

With the transfer window closed, Chelsea must rely on their existing squad to regain form and push for a top-four finish. The spotlight remains on Maresca to navigate these challenges as the season progresses.