LA Galaxy make official bid for Coutinho | OneFootball

Los Angeles Galaxy, from Major League Soccer, has submitted an official offer for attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho, 33, following his departure from Vasco da Gama. The information was initially reported by Blog do Nicola.

MLS still allows new registrations, which facilitates a possible immediate transfer. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabian football only becomes an option starting in July, when a new transfer window opens.

On social media, fans speculated about a possible interest from Grêmio, but a source close to the club from Rio Grande do Sul denied any chance of negotiations at this time.

+ Cruzeiro is interested in signing Coutinho, Ex-Vasco

Photo: Reproduction/Vasco.

Contract Termination, Behind the Scenes, and Financial Impact

Coutinho requested the early termination of his contract on Tuesday night (17th), even though the deal was valid until mid-year. The official announcement of his departure was made by the player himself on Wednesday (18th). So far, Vasco has not made an official statement.

The decision came after a meeting with Vasco’s board, initially called to ease tensions after the player’s discomfort at being substituted at halftime during the match against Volta Redonda, in the quarterfinals of the Campeonato Carioca.

On that occasion, the number 11 left the field visibly upset 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, the midfielder directly communicated that he no longer intended to continue playing at São Januário.

His departure also represents financial relief for the Rio club, which will no longer have to pay around R$ 1.5 million per month, an amount considered high within the current budget.

+ What was Coutinho’s salary at Vasco?

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

Unlikely Retirement and Good Physical Condition

Although initial speculation even pointed to a possible retirement, people close to the player believe this scenario is unlikely.

One of the factors reinforcing the likelihood of his career continuing is his recent good physical record. In 2024, Coutinho played 56 matches, the highest number of games in a single club season in his entire professional career — an indication of recovery and a run without major physical problems.

Now, with an official MLS offer and the international market watching closely, the midfielder’s future should be decided in the coming days.

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