Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho has left Aston Villa and signed a permanent contract with Vasco da Gama, the Rio de Janeiro club where he began his career. Aston Villa said on Friday that the remaining 12 months of the 33-year-old’s deal were terminated by mutual agreement, allowing him to return to Brazil without a transfer fee. Vasco immediately announced a new agreement that ties Coutinho to São Januário until June 2026, and confirmed he will take the club’s No. 10 shirt. Coutinho had been on loan at Vasco during the first half of 2025, contributing five goals and three assists in 25 appearances across competitions. Villa originally acquired him from Barcelona in May 2022 for about €20 million and he went on to register six goals in 43 matches for the Premier League side. His move closes a costly chapter for Villa while reinforcing a rebuilding Vasco squad following the recent departure of French playmaker Dimitri Payet.