Rio de Janeiro – The second stint of Philippe Coutinho at Vasco da Gama appears to be nearing a swift and acrimonious end, just months after his highly anticipated return to his boyhood club. The 33-year-old attacking midfielder has reportedly requested an immediate termination of his contract, following audible jeers from the club’s supporters during recent matches. The situation has exposed deep fissures within the Vasco hierarchy, according to reports.
The discontent reached a boiling point, with fans reportedly chanting Ei, Coutinho, vai tomar no c…
(roughly translated as “Coutinho, go to hell…”) during a recent game, a clear indication of their frustration with his performances. While the initial spark for the fan backlash remains somewhat unclear, it coincides with a period of uncertainty surrounding Coutinho’s future and the club’s overall performance.
Coutinho’s current contract with Vasco is set to expire in June, but the player is pushing for an immediate release. A meeting with club officials is scheduled to discuss the possibility of a mutually agreed-upon termination. The speed with which this situation has deteriorated is striking, given the fanfare that accompanied his return to Rio de Janeiro.
The Brazilian international’s career has been a rollercoaster since leaving Vasco for Inter Milan in 2008. He enjoyed successful spells with Liverpool and Barcelona, winning trophies and establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most exciting players during his time at Anfield. A loan spell with Bayern Munich yielded further silverware, but subsequent moves to Aston Villa and Al-Duhail proved less impactful. His return to Vasco was widely seen as a homecoming, a chance to recapture the magic of his youth and contribute to the club he supported as a boy.
However, the reunion has failed to ignite. In 31 appearances during his loan spell in 2024-2025, Coutinho scored 5 goals. This season, he has added 7 goals in 28 appearances, but those numbers haven’t been enough to appease a demanding fanbase. The pressure has clearly taken its toll, leading to his request to leave.
Vasco da Gama is now scrambling to formulate a ‘Plan B’. According to reports, the club is exploring the possibility of securing Coutinho on a short-term loan until the end of the Brazilian season in December. This would allow them to retain his services, albeit temporarily, while potentially mitigating the financial implications of a full contract termination.
Adding another layer of complexity to the situation, Grêmio has reportedly expressed formal interest in signing Coutinho. The Porto Alegre-based club sees him as a potential reinforcement and is monitoring the developments in Rio closely. This interest could provide Coutinho with a viable alternative destination, should his request to leave Vasco be granted.
Coutinho’s career trajectory has been marked by periods of brilliance and frustrating inconsistency. His ability to unlock defenses with his vision, passing range, and curling shots remains undeniable. However, injuries and a perceived lack of commitment have often hampered his progress. The current impasse at Vasco raises serious questions about his future and whether he can rediscover the form that once made him a global star.
The situation also reflects the intense pressures faced by players returning to their former clubs. The weight of expectation, coupled with the scrutiny of passionate supporters, can be overwhelming. For Coutinho, the dream homecoming has quickly turned into a nightmare, and a swift exit appears to be the most likely outcome.
As of , the outcome of the meeting between Coutinho and Vasco’s board remains uncertain. However, the player’s request for termination and the interest from Grêmio suggest that his time at São Januário is drawing to a close. The saga serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities of player loyalty, fan expectations, and the unpredictable nature of professional football.
Coutinho’s departure would leave a significant void in Vasco’s squad, both in terms of talent and experience. The club will need to act quickly to find a suitable replacement, but the immediate priority is to resolve the current impasse and avoid further disruption to their season. The coming days will be crucial in determining the next chapter in Philippe Coutinho’s career.
