Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, September 24, 2025. Football player Philippe Coutinho from the Vasco team, during the Vasco vs Bahia game, for the Brazilian Cup, at the São Januário stadium.

Philippe Coutinho’s story after leaving Aston Villa has not ended as smoothly as many might have expected.

The Brazilian midfielder is now officially without a club after his contract termination with Vasco da Gama was published in the Brazilian FA’s daily bulletin this week.

Brazilian outlet Metrópoles confirmed on Monday that the rescission, initially announced on February 20th, is now fully registered. As a result, the 33-year-old is a free agent and free to negotiate with any club.

For Aston Villa, the transfer saga had already concluded last year. Coutinho pushed hard in 2024 to return to Vasco, the club where he began his career. Villa agreed to a loan in July 2024, and by July 2025 the move became permanent at zero cost. 

However, less than a year after that definitive switch, the move has effectively collapsed.

Abrupt end after public pressure

Coutinho requested a unilateral termination earlier this month. Vasco confirmed they reached an amicable agreement after what they described as respectful dialogue.

Across...