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As the entire globe entered a new year in January, the world of football welcomed the winter transfer window. This short one-month window has a history of producing exciting transfers with some big players like Virgil van Dijk (Southampton to Liverpool in 2018) and Bruno Fernandes (Sporting Lisbon to Man United in 2020) also moving to their respective new clubs during the month of January.
And now, the 2022 window also seems to have kicked off in some style with a former Premier League star getting set to return to England. FC Barcelona's Philippe Coutinho, who has been linked with many clubs over the last few days, has notably agreed terms with Aston Villa on Friday. The deal has been finalized and the Brazilian will spend the rest of season at Villa Park on loan.
In an official statement, Aston Villa stated, "The agreement, which is subject to the player completing a medical and receiving a work permit, also includes an option to buy and Philippe will travel to Birmingham in the next 48 hours."
Coutinho is returning to Premier League after a long time, having spent some glorious years (2013 to 2018) playing for Liverpool. The attacking midfielder played 201 matches for 'The Reds' across all competitions, where he registered 54 goals and 45 assists. Interestingly, the 29-year-old will re-unite with his former captain Steven Gerrard, who is now the manager of Aston Villa.
Newcastle United signs Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid
In another blockbuster January transfer, Newcastle United have secured the signing of England full-back Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid. "The 31-year-old has agreed terms on a two-and-a-half-year deal and becomes the first senior signing under the club's owners and head coach Eddie Howe," Newcastle said in an official statement.
Notably, he is also returning to England after a few years, having played for Burnley and Tottenham Hotspur in past. Trippier's move to Newcastle begins a new era for The Magpies under the new ownership.