CONFIRMED! Philippe Coutinho has returned to the Premier League, joining Aston Villa on loan from cash-strapped Barcelona.
Coutinho will be linking up with former Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard at Villa Park, but how will his transfer impact proceedings in FIFA 22?
We are sure to see the transfer celebrated in Ultimate Team, and Coutinho will provide a creative spark for Villa in Career Mode too.
"Magician" returns
On Friday, 7 January, Aston Villa confirmed the signing of Philippe Coutinho on loan from Barcelona as their first transfer of the January window.
Steven Gerrard has already spoken highly of Coutinho on his return to the Premier League, stating "I don't think you get a nickname as a magician if you're not a special footballer."
Coutinho is yet to complete 90 minutes this season, starting just five games for Barcelona which could mean some time before the Brazilian is fully fit.
However, the Brazilian international has proven class with 63 caps and over 50 Premier League goals to his name. A major coup for Aston Villa!
Career Mode Class
Coutinho's arrival at Aston Villa will see him become their joint-highest rated outfield player alongside Leon Bailey with a current 82 OVR in FIFA 22 Career Mode.
The 29-year-old's potential is capped at 82 OVR too so he is not one for the future, but he will easily walk into the Villa starting XI.
A set-piece specialist, Coutinho's 86 Free-Kick Accuracy and 86 Long Shots mean the Brazilian has a penchant for the spectacular!
With five-star skill moves and 89 Dribbling, expect a long highlight reel from Coutinho in your Aston Villa Career Mode save.
FUT Potential
We are sure to see a basic gold card for Philippe Coutinho released soon in FUT 22 with his new club on the card, offering different chemistry link options.
Coutinho has already had one SBC card released this season during the Winter Wildcards promo event, but a second could some soon.
His 92 OVR Flashback SBC in FIFA 21 was immensely popular and we would love to see something like that return.
We could see Coutinho in one of the upcoming promos too, with a potential Winter Refresh on the cards...
Newcastle's New Dawn
Aston Villa is not the only club making moves in the transfer window, with Newcastle beginning their new era too.
England international Kieran Trippier is the first man through the door and should bring some valuable experience to the backline.
Trippier helped Atletico Madrid claim the La Liga title last season, starting in 28 games for Diego Simeone's famously tough-to-beat side.
The Magpies are said to have splashed out £12 million to bring the 31-year-old back to the Premier League.