Villa Target New Striker to Reignite Attack
Aston Villa are reportedly preparing a surprise January transfer window move for Brentford striker Igor Thiago, with manager Unai Emery said to be lining up a substantial £50 million bid for the Brazilian forward. This potential swoop comes as the club seeks to address its attacking options, with current striker Ollie Watkins enduring a difficult season.
Watkins' Form Prompts Striker Search
The push for a new centre-forward has been accelerated by the poor form of Ollie Watkins. The England international has managed to score just a single goal in his 18 appearances across all competitions this season. This dip in form has been particularly costly for Villa, who struggled for goals early in the campaign, scoring only once in their first five Premier League matches.
Despite a remarkable recovery that has seen Villa soar into the top five with six wins in their last seven games, the club believes their position could have been even stronger with a more prolific striker. The speculation around Watkins' future intensifies as the FIFA World Cup in North America approaches, putting his place in the England squad at risk.
Why Igor Thiago is Emery's Top Target
According to reports from The Mirror, Emery sees the 24-year-old Thiago as the ideal long-term solution. The Brentford striker, who joined the Bees for £30 million from Club Brugge in 2024, has enjoyed an impressive start to the current Premier League season. He has found the net 11 times in 13 league matches, with six goals from open play and five from the penalty spot.
This potential transfer evokes a sense of déjà vu for Villa, who successfully signed Watkins from Brentford in the past. While Thiago may not possess the same blistering pace as Watkins, his profile fits Emery's system. He is known for his effective hold-up play and aerial ability, qualities the manager highly values in a centre-forward for building attacks.
Furthermore, Thiago has demonstrated a consistent threat in behind defences, making intelligent runs to latch onto through balls from teammates like Mikkel Damsgaard and Kevin Schade. His recent brace against Burnley places him just three goals behind Erling Haaland in the race for the Golden Boot.
What This Move Means for Villa's Ambitions
The potential £50 million investment signals Aston Villa's serious ambition to cement their place among the Premier League's elite. The club is genuinely in contention to finish as 'the best of the rest' and sees a reliable goalscorer as the final piece in the puzzle for a sustained push for UEFA Champions League qualification.
While the rumour mill will continue to turn, the old adage that there is often no smoke without fire suggests Villa are actively seeking striker reinforcements. If Watkins' goal drought persists, a major move in the January window appears increasingly likely as Emery looks to ensure his squad does not pass up a golden opportunity for a return to Europe's top table.
