Aston Villa confirm New Year’s day capture of Gremio wonderkid Alysson | OneFootball

Aston Villa have completed the signing of teenage winger Alysson from Gremio in a deal worth up to €12 million during the winter transfer window.

The 19-year-old has joined the West Midlands club on a long-term contract after Villa finalised the agreement once the window reopened earlier today.

Villa had been working on the deal since December, with negotiations reaching an advanced stage before the turn of the year.

Alysson fits the profile of the young wide attacker Villa have prioritised as they look to refresh and rebalance Unai Emery’s squad.

The Brazilian is a left-footed right winger and was closely monitored by Villa scouts, who travelled to Brazil to assess his development at close quarters.

Villa’s recruitment team have identified a need to lower the average age of the squad while maintaining technical quality and tactical flexibility.

They were also keen to strengthen their wide options following Leon Bailey’s departure to Roma on a season-long loan last summer.

Alysson arrives as a developmental signing rather than an immediate starter, but Villa believe his athleticism and direct style can translate quickly to the Premier League.

The teenager made 31 appearances in the Brazilian Serie A last season, registering one goal and two assists as Gremio finished ninth.

It marked his first full campaign in senior football after progressing through the club’s Under-20 side.

Despite modest output, Villa view Alysson’s underlying attributes as a stronger indicator of his potential than raw numbers alone.

His willingness to take on defenders and stretch the pitch were key factors in Villa’s decision to move decisively.

Villa already reinforced their attack ahead of the 2025-26 season with the signing of Evann Guessand from Nice, although the forward is yet to score in the league and is currently away at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Harvey Elliott was also recruited on loan from Liverpool, but his involvement has been limited despite his ability to operate on the right.

Alysson now joins an attacking group that includes Ollie Watkins, Morgan Rogers, Jadon Sancho, Donyell Malen, Guessand and Elliott.

Villa remain open to further attacking additions during the winter transfer window, with a centre-forward being considered to provide cover and competition for Watkins.

Any further business will depend on market opportunities and financial parameters set by the club.

Alysson has represented Brazil at youth level but is yet to make his senior international debut.

Villa see the move as a long-term investment rather than a short-term fix.

The club believe the winger’s development can be accelerated within Emery’s structured system.

Confirmation of the transfer brings Villa another option as they look to sustain progress domestically and in Europe.