Philippe Coutinho 'in talks' with Santos after February Vasco exit | OneFootball

According to PaponaColina, Santos have opened direct talks to sign 33-year-old Philippe Coutinho, a free agent since his February departure from Vasco.

The report says the approach follows a request from Neymar, who has called the potential reunion a dream, and that talks cover a short deal running to the end of 2026. He would join a squad featuring Gabriel Barbosa, Gabigol, and midfielder Arthur.

Coutinho has not played since a win over Volta Redonda in the Campeonato Carioca quarter-finals early in the season. Substituted at half-time to loud boos, he did not return to the bench and informed president Pedrinho he would end his second spell at São Januário. The then coach Fernando Diniz tried to change his mind.

An amicable termination later followed via a public letter in which he spoke of emotional exhaustion and said he stayed in the dressing room to protect his mental health. His second Vasco stint closed on 81 games, 17 goals and seven assists, along with leading the side to the 2025 Copa do Brasil final.

The report also notes that a switch to a traditional rival so soon after citing mental fatigue is seen as risky for his legacy among Vasco supporters. Vasco are said to be monitoring the situation without intervening, mindful that a move to Vila Belmiro could affect his standing with the fanbase.

Source: PaponaColina

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”