Former Vasco man Coutinho gives green light, closes in on Santos | OneFootball

Negotiations for Philippe Coutinho to return to Brazilian football after his spell at Vasco have reached a decisive stage in the Baixada Santista. According to reporting published by journalist Diogo Dantas, the 34-year-old midfielder has given the definitive green light to move forward in talks with Santos, following an initial approach led by NR Sports, the company owned by Neymar. The discussions now directly involve the top brass of the São Paulo club and the player’s representatives, with both sides showing strong optimism about signing a performance-based contract.

Having not played officially since terminating his contract with Cruz-Maltino in February to preserve his mental health, the playmaker has shown great enthusiasm for the opportunity to revive his historic partnership with Santos’ number 10. Coutinho’s close friendship with Neymar weighed heavily in his decision, along with the recent package of major signings made by Peixe’s board, which secured the arrivals of Rodinei, Everton Cebolinha, and defensive midfielder Arthur to build a high-investment squad for the season.

+ Former Vasco player Philippe Coutinho could join Santos

Physical preparation and projected debut against Flamengo

As he is a free agent, formalizing the deal does not depend on the immediate closing of the registration window for players signed between clubs. People close to Coutinho say his physical condition is considered very good, needing only match sharpness with the ball to be available to the coaching staff within an estimated period of up to 15 days.

The plan drawn up by the midfielder’s camp sees the next break for the FIFA international window, scheduled for the period between September 21 and October 4, as the ideal time to intensify training at Vila Belmiro. The scenario taking shape behind the scenes points to a likely official debut on October 8, precisely in the clash against Flamengo, a historic rival of the club where he came through the ranks.

Emotional fallout among Vasco fans

Philippe Coutinho’s decision to strengthen another major club in the country so soon after ending his spell at São Januário due to mental exhaustion has caused strong unease in the memory of Vasco supporters. The outcome of the move is likely to negatively affect the player’s image among the fans who idolized him since the youth ranks.

Remaining absolutely discreet about the former player’s next steps, Vasco is keeping its full focus on its objectives for the season while watching the outcome that could once and for all distance the Cria da Colina from his historic roots.

Coutinho was welcomed with celebration at Vasco and left due to mental exhaustion – Photo: Leandro Amorim/Vasco

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