Aston Villa are preparing to enter the January transfer market with a clear priority: signing a new striker to bolster Unai Emery's attacking options. The Villans' impressive form has them firmly in the Champions League conversation, but a reliance on the out-of-form Ollie Watkins highlights a critical need for reinforcement up front.
The Striking Conundrum at Villa Park
Despite a series of victories that have propelled the club up the Premier League table, a persistent issue remains. Ollie Watkins' struggles in front of goal have been notable this season. While supporting players like Donyell Malen, Morgan Rogers, and Emiliano Buendia have chipped in with goals, the lack of a consistent, prolific alternative to the England international is seen as a potential obstacle to sustaining a top-four challenge.
The club's ability to share goals around the team has been commendable, but as the season intensifies on multiple fronts, securing a dedicated goal-scorer in January could be the difference between a good season and a great one.
Why a £50m Move for Igor Thiago is a Major Risk
Aston Villa have been strongly linked with a big-money move for Brentford's Brazilian striker, Igor Thiago. Reports suggest the club is willing to pay at least £50 million for the forward, who has enjoyed an excellent start to his Premier League career, already reaching double figures for goals.
However, such a move represents a significant gamble. Thiago has only half a season of regular top-flight football in England under his belt. Committing a club-record fee for a player with such a limited track record at this level is inherently risky. Furthermore, with Villa having to navigate the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) carefully, a £50m+ signing that fails to deliver could have severe financial repercussions.
Jonathan Burkardt: The Smarter, Value Alternative
A cheaper and potentially equally effective solution may lie in the Bundesliga. The player in question is Eintracht Frankfurt's German international, Jonathan Burkardt. The 25-year-old only joined Frankfurt in July for €21m (£18.5m) after a prolific final season at Mainz 05, where he scored 18 league goals—more than both Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko managed before their own Premier League moves.
Burkardt has seamlessly transitioned to his new club, netting 10 times in just 17 games. Although currently sidelined with a calf injury until January, his proven goal-scoring pedigree and current market value of around €35m make him an attractive proposition. Even if Frankfurt were to demand double their initial investment, the fee would still be substantially lower than that quoted for Thiago.
Frankfurt have a renowned reputation for successfully replacing departed strikers, which could make them more amenable to a sale. While any transfer from abroad carries an element of risk, it also offers the chance to unearth a gem at a reasonable price. Burkardt possesses the technical ability and finishing prowess to thrive in the Premier League and could be the perfect player to share the goal-scoring burden with Watkins as Villa push for Champions League football.
In summary, while the allure of a proven Premier League scorer in Igor Thiago is understandable, the financial and sporting risks are substantial. For a more astute and fiscally responsible January operation, Unai Emery and the Villa hierarchy would be wise to look towards Germany and Jonathan Burkardt as the strategic signing to power their ambitious season.
