Philippe Coutinho to Mexico? | OneFootball

Philippe Coutinho has confirmed his departure from CR Vasco da Gama, bringing his latest chapter in Brazilian football to a close and leaving his next move uncertain. Aged 33, the attacking midfielder is now available as a free agent after playing 81 matches in Brazil over two seasons.

A Riches to Rags Story

Not too long ago, Coutinho was tearing up the Premier League with Liverpool, under the stewardship of Brendan Rodgers and Jürgen Klopp. In his 201 appearances, he recorded 55 goals and 45 assists.

During the 2017/18 season, aged 26, the playmaker made a historic $150M move (with add-ons) to Barcelona. It was a deal that would finance glory years for his former club back in England, whilst his career never matched the form he showed with The Reds.

Within 18 months of that eye-watering move to Spain, Coutinho was loaned out to Bayern Munich. He helped the Germans lift the 2020 UEFA Champions League, scoring a brace in that historic 8-2 win over his parent club on the way to lifting the title.

His efforts in Germany weren’t enough to earn a permanent move, however. Before long enough, he was back in England, this time joining former teammate, now turned manager, Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa.

The move was met with hype and anticipation, but once again failed to hit the heights after racking up nine goal contributions in 41 matches. He was released by the start of the 2023/24 season.

A Shock Move Away from Europe

In 2023 Coutinho announced a surprise move away from Europe, but not back to his native Brazil.

At this stage, the then 31-year-old signed for Qatar-based Al-Duhail in a move that would last less than 12 months. He represented the club 23 times in all competitions and made 12 contributions, but it was fairly obvious that the move failed to benefit either the player or the club.

In a sad spiral in the career of Philippe Coutinho, he had one more trick up his sleeve to salvage it. He made a return to his native Brazil and resigned for Vasco, his boyhood club.

Another 18 months brought highs and lows, as well as 17 goals and 6 assists. before announcing his decision to tear up his contract just a few games into the 2026 Brasileirão Serie A season.

What Next for Philippe Coutinho?

There is no shortage of rumors circulating around the future of this once-talented midfielder.

The first comes from Trubuna.com, which revealed that MLS side LA Galaxy have made initial contacts with the player regarding a possible move to California.

Whilst no official stories link Coutinho with a move to Mexico, I wouldn’t be too surprised if a Liga MX club submit a contract offer. Here’s my take: