Philippe Coutinho is back at Santos, seven months after requesting to leave Vasco. The midfielder, who left the Vasco club in February by breaking the contract that was set to run until June, now returns to the team where he began his professional career. The transfer was completed on the last day of the registration window.
The 32-year-old player was received with great expectations by Vasco's fans. In July 2024, more than 20,000 people filled São Januário Stadium to celebrate his return, which happened after his departure at age 18. The fans created songs, personalized shirts and placed him on a pedestal of idolization, inheriting the number 10 shirt that was worn by Roberto Dinamite.
However, Coutinho failed to meet expectations on the field. He did not deliver the expected leadership and generated anger and frustration when he left the club again. The article also mentions the possible signing of Richarlison by Vasco as another transfer window move.
