News

Philippe Coutinho Signs For Aston Villa On Loan From Barcelona

Published

5 years ago

7th January 2022

Philippe Coutinho

Philippe Coutinho has scored 26 goals in 106 appearances for Barcelona since joining them from Liverpool in January 2018

Aston Villa have agreed a deal to bring in former Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho on loan from Barcelona until the end of the season.

The deal, which is subject to a medical and a work permit being granted, includes an option to buy the 29-year-old for £33m at the end of the season.

Coutinho joined Barcelona in a £142m move from Liverpool in January 2018.

However, the Brazil international has not had the expected impact and Barca are keen to lighten their wage bill.

Arsenal, Everton, Newcastle and Tottenham were also linked with a move for Coutinho.

The playmaker, who has scored 26 goals in 106 appearances for the Catalans, has 18 months to run on his Nou Camp contract, which expires at the end of the 2022-23 season.

Philippe Coutinho — *Coutinho scored the winner in a memorable 3-2 win over Manchester City in April 2014, only to see his Liverpool side overhauled in the title race in the following weeks*

His move reunites him with Villa manager Steven Gerrard, who was his captain at Liverpool.

Gerrard, who described his former team-mate as a “special footballer” on Thursday, and Coutinho were key parts of the Liverpool side who fell just short of winning the Premier League title in 2014.

Coutinho scored 41 Premier League in 152 appearances for Liverpool, who he joined in a £8.5m move from Inter Milan in January 2013.

Meanwhile Villa striker Wesley has joined Brazilian club Internacional on a 12-month loan deal.

The 25-year-old, who signed from Club Bruges for £22m in June 2019 and has spent the first half of this season on loan at his former Belgian side, has scored five goals in 25 appearances for Villa.

Analysis

Barcelona were desperate to move on Coutinho after agreeing a deal to sign Ferran Torres from Manchester City for £55m.

Coutinho also wanted a fresh start elsewhere and his links with Villa manager Steven Gerrard, who played alongside him at Liverpool and has remained a huge admirer even through his struggles at Barcelona, have seen off a host of Premier League clubs investigating the possibility of securing a deal.

It is a sign of Villa’s ambition and determination to back Gerrard, who succeeded sacked Dean Smith in November, that they have been prepared to push hard to sign a player the manager believes could be a real game-changer in the second half of the season.

Villa will be paying less than half of Coutinho’s current wages at Barcelona and the deal is also understood to be cheaper than the one they struck to take Ross Barkley on loan from Chelsea last season.

Coutinho has languished in the shadows at Barcelona, although he did win the Champions League in 2020 while on loan at Bayern Munich.

He was a key figure alongside Gerrard when Liverpool almost won the Premier League eight years ago and the idea of being reunited with his former captain held huge appeal for a player desperate to re-ignite his career.

Related Topics:Aston Villa Barcelona Philippe Coutinho

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News

Chadreek Renews Recording Contract with UK-Based Label SauceBoi Music

Published

6 days ago

27th September 2026

Usman Oladuntoye

Nigerian Afrobeats artist Chadreek (born Salau Qudus Emiola) has officially renewed his recording contract with SauceBoi Music, the UK-based label that has played a pivotal role in his career development.

The renewed agreement reinforces the longstanding partnership between the artist and the label. It positions Chadreek for the next phase of his career with enhanced support across music production, distribution, marketing, and international expansion.

Known for his smooth vocal delivery and consistent output, Chadreek has steadily cultivated a dedicated following through standout records including Ori Mi (featuring Seyi Vibez), Better Dayz, Awure, and his earlier project No Bad Vibe. The renewed deal is expected to accelerate his momentum as he prepares new music and broadens his presence across Africa and global markets.

A source close to the camp confirmed that both parties are fully aligned on a clear vision for the artist’s next chapter, with a strong emphasis on high-quality releases and strategic growth.

This renewal marks another significant milestone in Chadreek’s journey as he continues to establish his place within the Afrobeats landscape.

About Chadreek
Chadreek is a Nigerian singer and songwriter signed to SauceBoi Music. He is recognised for his distinctive voice and a growing catalogue of Afrobeats records that blend melody, emotion, and street energy.

About SauceBoi Music
SauceBoi Music is a UK-based record label committed to developing and promoting talent across the Afrobeats and broader African music scenes.

Audio

YTJ Announces New Single “JO,”

Published

3 weeks ago

12th September 2026

Usman Oladuntoye

Rising Afro-fusion artist builds on the momentum of “Closer” with an energetic new release made for dance floors worldwide

Recoup Records announces the forthcoming release of “JO,” the new single from rising Afro-fusion artist YTJ, arriving on all major digital streaming platforms September 10, 2026.

The release follows the growing international success of YTJ’s previous single, “Closer,” which has generated more than 4 million combined YouTube views and surpassed 3 million audio streams within two months of release. The record has also received airplay across more than 70 radio stations and 30 television channels worldwide, while reaching No. 63 on YouTube Music in Nairobi, Kenya.

With “JO,” YTJ enters the next phase of his sound and creative direction.

Driven by infectious rhythm, vibrant production and an unmistakable celebratory energy, “JO” is an Afro-fusion record built for movement. The single pairs YTJ’s melodic approach with a polished, high-energy production designed to connect across clubs, parties, festivals and playlists globally.

The visual world surrounding the release reflects that same energy. Built around a striking red-lit aesthetic, the “JO” campaign presents a confident and elevated side of YTJ as he continues to expand his presence beyond his home market and reach new audiences internationally.

“My intention with ‘Closer’ was simply to make something that would connect with people, and the response went beyond what I imagined,” says YTJ. “With ‘JO,’ I wanted to take that energy somewhere new. This record is a celebration — and we’re just getting started.”»

“JO” arrives at a pivotal moment for YTJ. Following the momentum established by “Closer,” the new single signals an artist increasingly focused on creating music that bridges cultures while remaining rooted in the rhythm, melody and energy of contemporary African music.

For Recoup Records, the release represents another step in the label’s commitment to developing YTJ’s international profile and introducing his music to a broader global audience.

“JO” by YTJ is available across all major digital streaming platforms HERE

ABOUT YTJ

YTJ is an emerging Afro-fusion artist whose music blends contemporary African rhythms, melody and global influences. With a growing international audience and millions of streams and views across digital platforms, YTJ is building a sound and identity designed to travel beyond borders.

Following the international response to “Closer,” YTJ continues his next chapter with “JO,” expanding his creative vision while establishing himself as an emerging voice in the new generation of African music.

ABOUT RECOUP RECORDS

Recoup Records is an independent music company focused on artist development, music distribution and building globally competitive African talent. Through strategic releases, media partnerships and international promotion, the label works to connect its artists and music with audiences around the world.

Entertainment Gists

Josh2Funny’s Album Has Fans Talking — But Should He Stick To Music Or Skits?

Published

3 weeks ago

10th September 2026

manlikeakoh

Josh2Funny’s Album Has Fans Talking — But Should He Stick To Music Or Skits? 😂🎶

Nigerian comedian and content creator Josh2Funny has taken his comedy game into music, and Nigerians are definitely having something to say about it.

The comedian released his 15-track album, “On Behalf of Josh,” on July 10, 2026, but instead of fading away after release, the project has continued to generate conversations on X.

And the big question now is:

Should Josh2Funny continue with music or go back to skits? 😂

Fans have been divided. While some listeners openly criticized the album and told him to return to comedy, others found songs they genuinely enjoyed.

One X user joked:

“Josh2Funny stopped doing skits and started music, Everybody wan chop this music money 😂”

Another simply said:

“This Josh2Funny Album no enter make he just go back skit abeg 😂”

But then came “Lembe.” 🔥

The track caught fire on X and eventually became a trending topic in Nigeria. The #LembeChallenge also gained momentum as creators began jumping on the song.

Josh2Funny later announced ₦1 million for winners of the challenge, giving the song another major push.

And it didn’t stop there.

‘INTERNATIONAL’ FT. ICE PRINCE ALSO TRENDED

On another day, “International” featuring Ice Prince generated its own buzz on X.

One fan even called it their favourite song from the album, while praising the collaboration. The post itself pulled thousands of views, showing that people weren’t only talking about Lembe.

From album criticism to trending songs and challenges, “On Behalf of Josh” has kept Josh2Funny’s name in the conversation.

Whether you love the album or think he should return to skits, one thing is clear:

Josh2Funny has succeeded in getting Nigerians talking. 😂🔥