Aston Villa Target PL Striker With 9 Goals So Far: Is He The Right Profile For Unai Emery? | OneFootball

Unai Emery remains determined to restructure his frontline. Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey has now emerged as a primary target for Aston Villa, according to a recent report from Football Insider. Former Villa scout Mick Brown revealed the Midlands club are closely monitoring the 24-year-old Dutchman. Brobbey has enjoyed an impressive debut season in the Premier League so far. The Black Cats secured the powerful forward from Ajax last summer. He quickly adapted to the English top flight under Regis Le Bris.

Aston Villa target Brian Brobbey as summer replacement for Ollie Watkins

Mick Brown suggests Villa officials are frustrated with their current striking options. He specifically noted a lack of consistent goals from established names. While the club previously relied heavily on existing stars, the search for a prolific new number nine has led them to the Stadium of Light. Brobbey has netted six league goals this term.

This tally includes a dramatic late winner in the recent Tyne-Wear derby against Newcastle United. His physical style and ability to run in behind defenders have caught the eye of elite scouts across Europe. Sunderland will likely fight to keep their star man. However, the lure of a top-five side in the Midlands may be difficult for the player to ignore during the upcoming transfer window.

“Aston Villa are looking to sign a new striker in the summer,” Brown told Football Insider.

“They’ve been frustrated with Watkins and the other options because they haven’t had that regular goalscorer, so they’re looking at a few options.

“Brian Brobbey is somebody they will have been looking at, because they’re always interested in players, strikers particularly, who are making a bit of a name for themselves.

“Sunderland did a fantastic job with their recruitment in the summer, and it’s been a really strong season for them, and Brobbey has been very impressive.

“He looks a handful to play against. He’s strong, will back into defenders, battle them, fight them, run in behind, and he’ll score goals as well.

“So for a side like Aston Villa, that sort of centre-forward is going to be somebody who takes their fancy and I’m sure they’ll be keeping a close eye on him.”

Is Brian Brobbey the right profile for Unai Emery’s tactical evolution?

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 22: Brian Brobbey of Sunderland gestures as he arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Sunderland and Fulham at Stadium of Light on February 22, 2026 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Signing Brian Brobbey would represent a calculated shift in philosophy for Unai Emery. This move comes as 30-year-old Ollie Watkins struggles to replicate his previous goalscoring tallies. Brobbey currently leads the Netherlands national team attack. He uses a level of brute strength that contrasts sharply with Watkins’ selfless link-up play.

At just 24, the Dutchman is entering his peak physical years. He has the engine required for the rigorous demands of Emery’s high-pressing system. He excels at pinning centre-backs and creating space through pure athleticism. This trait would give John McGinn and Morgan Rogers, if he stays, more room to operate in advanced areas.

His 2025/26 form shows a clinical edge in the box. However, an occasionally inconsistent first touch remains a minor weakness for Emery to refine. Villa currently sit in a strong position to secure Champions League football. This makes the need for a reliable finisher even more pressing, and hence relying on a single veteran forward carries significant risk. Brobbey offers the explosive goal threat that has often been missing during Aston Villa’s cagey European encounters this spring. If they go on to secure his signature, it would signal a clear intent to move away from offensive stagnation and embrace a more aggressive and direct approach in the final third.