Philippe Coutinho considering two career options after receiving transfer offer

Philippe Coutinho finds himself on the lookout for a new club, with the former Liverpool star having had his contract terminated at boyhood club Vasco da Gama recently

Philippe Coutinho is on the lookout for a new club after leaving Vasco da Gama(Image: Getty Images)

Philippe Coutinho is said to be considering retiring from soccer, although the former Liverpool star has been approached by a club in Russia as he plans the next step in his career.

The 33-year-old announced last week that he had left boyhood club Vasco da Gama, having requested for his contract to be terminated. Coutinho had only made his move back to Brazil permanent last summer, having spent last season on loan with the Rio de Janeiro club.

His exit leaves him looking for another new club, with his career having struggled ever since he made the move away from Anfield to Barcelona in January 2018.

ESPN now reports that Coutinho is weighing up two options - a move to the MLS, or retiring from playing completely.

The former Brazil international is said to have received an inquiry from CSKA Moscow, although a source close to the player has admitted they would be surprised if Coutinho accepted an offer to play in Russia.

The Russian national team and the country’s domestic clubs remain suspended from FIFA and UEFA competitions following the nations’ invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Philippe Coutinho has had his contract at Vasco da Gama terminated(Image: Wagner Meier/Getty Images)

Coutinho’s prospects therefore are to either make the move to the United States, following the likes of former teammates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, or hang up his boots.

Announcing his exit from Vasco last week, the former Reds star admitted to feeling “mentally exhausted”, having been recently booed by his own fans as his return home did not go to plan.

"I chose to return to Vasco because I love this club,” Coutinho said. “I love everything Vasco represents in my life. Wearing this shirt was one of the most important choices I've ever made. And, in every training session, in every game, I gave my best. Always! There was never a lack of dedication, never a lack of will and commitment.

"Being judged by countless people for something that isn't part of my character is extremely difficult. I would never disrespect the fans, my teammates, or Vasco. I've never done that anywhere I've been. Anyone who knows me knows that.

"At that moment, on my way to the locker room, I felt and realized that my time at the club was over, and I didn't return to prioritize my mental health. That hurts a lot.

"The truth is, I'm very mentally exhausted. I've always been very reserved, so saying this here isn't easy, but I need to be honest.”