Newcastle miss out on Philippe Coutinho to Aston Villa – but that’s okay

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Newcastle United have missed out on signing Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona.

The Magpies emerged as contenders yesterday, as Sky Sports named us as one of the six Premier League teams interested in the Brazilian.

But Aston Villa always looked like the favourites, and that’s how things have panned out. Steven Gerrard’s side have confirmed that they have agreed a loan deal with Barcelona to sign Coutinho.

It’s a huge get for Villa, and represents the pulling power of Steven Gerrard – a manager we were linked with. Of course, Gerrard and Coutinho played together which has reportedly heavily influenced his decision to join Villa.

Could Coutinho be a Newcastle player right now if we had appointed Gerrard? It’s perhaps not as simple as that given our league position.

Regardless, the 29-year-old is an exceptional player who will improve Villa, and would have improved Newcastle. But there is no reason to be downbeat about this missed signing.

The timing was all wrong for Newcastle United and Philippe Coutinho

Even if Newcastle were in a better league position, snatching Coutinho away from Villa might have been tricky given the Gerrard factor.

But regardless, now was not the time to make a signing like that.

Yes, Coutinho is an exceptional footballer. He’s shown in the Premier League with Liverpool that he can be one of the best around. The last time he came to St James’ Park he scored an absolute stunner. Put him in most Premier League squads and he walks into the starting XI.

But despite all that, he wouldn’t have been right for Newcastle at this moment in time. Now is not the time for superstars.

Kieran Trippier is a statement signing, but he’s sensible too. You know what you’re going to get from Trippier – he’s a fighter who will give 100% for the cause. That’s exactly what we need as we look to avoid relegation.

We need more players like him who are going to drag us to survival, rather than Hollywood names who will dominate the back pages.

Those Hollywood signings will come in time – given our newfound wealth, it’s inevitable.

Newcastle have missed out on an incredible player in Coutinho, but that is okay.