Coutinho to LA Galaxy? Here’s the situation | OneFootball

Vasco da Gama is aware of the possibility of losing Philippe Coutinho to the MLS. LA Galaxy has kept the proposal presented to the midfielder's staff active since December, with a contract planned for two years.

To facilitate the negotiation, the American club moved within the league's internal market and acquired two foreign player slots: one from Nashville SC for $140,000 and another from Toronto FC for $200,000 — both valid for the next two years. This move is interpreted as a clear indication of planning for the arrival of an international reinforcement.

Coutinho has publicly stated that in Brazil, he would only play for Vasco. Internally, the possibility of early retirement was even discussed. However, the chance to play in an environment with less pressure and a more balanced schedule is seen as a positive factor at this point in his career.

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Coutinho playing for Vasco (Photo: Lucas Figueiredo/Getty Images)

Termination, behind the scenes, and financial impact

The midfielder's departure took a definitive turn on the evening of last Tuesday (17), when Coutinho requested an early termination of his contract — a contract that was valid until mid-year. The official announcement was made by the player himself on Wednesday (18). So far, Vasco has not officially commented.

The decision came after a meeting with Vasco's management. The meeting was initially called to ease tensions after the player's discomfort at being substituted at halftime during the match against Volta Redonda, in the quarter-finals of the Campeonato Carioca.

On that occasion, the number 11 left the field visibly irritated and did not return to the bench to watch the second half and the penalty shootout, an attitude that drew criticism from fans and analysts.

Hours after the meeting, Coutinho directly communicated that he no longer intended to continue playing at São Januário.

From a financial perspective, the termination also represents relief for Vasco. The club will no longer have to pay about R$ 1.5 million monthly in salaries, a figure considered high within the current budget, which opens up space for payroll adjustments and possible reinforcements throughout the season.

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Photo: Reproduction/Vasco.

Galaxy sees Coutinho as a priority to replace Riqui Puig

In the Los Angeles team's squad, Coutinho would arrive to fill the gap left by Riqui Puig, former FC Barcelona player, who suffered two serious knee injuries in succession and is out for the season.

The Brazilian is considered a priority by the Galaxy's management and would have teammates like Marco Reus, Matheus Nascimento, and Gabriel Pec. The latter, in particular, is said to have already given positive feedback about the club and the city to the midfielder.

The initial information about the proposal was disclosed by journalist Jorge Nicola, with subsequent confirmation from members of Território MLS and Carlos Berberti.

While Vasco awaits official decisions, the scenario indicates that the MLS emerges as a likely destination for Philippe Coutinho in the coming weeks.

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This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.