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Coutinho joins Qatar's Al Duhail on loan from Aston Villa

Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho has joined Qatar Stars League champions Al Duhail from Aston Villa on a season-long loan, the Premier League club said on Friday.

The 31-year-old Coutinho joined Villa on a permanent deal in 2022, but failed to make an impact last season, scoring one league goal in 20 appearances.

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He moves to Al Duhail after earlier spells with Inter Milan, Liverpool and Barcelona -- who signed him for around £142 million ($177.1m) in 2018, which is the third most expensive transfer in soccer history.

Coutinho has scored 21 goals in 68 internationals but has not played for Brazil since netting in a 5-1 win over South Korea in June last year.

Al Duhail, coached by Argentine Hernan Crespo, are third in the Qatar Stars League, two points behind leaders Al Rayyan.