Report: Aston Villa consider move for Brentford star in January | OneFootball

Aston Villa sound out shock striker move amid Watkins concern

Aston Villa’s rise into the Premier League’s top four has brought both momentum and scrutiny. While results have flowed, questions remain over the depth of Unai Emery’s attacking options. Reports now suggest Villa are considering a bold January move for Brentford forward Igor Thiago as they weigh up long term succession planning for Ollie Watkins.

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Watkins remains Emery’s undisputed first choice striker, yet alternatives are thin. Donyell Malen offers flexibility but is naturally a wide player, leaving Villa short of genuine centre forward competition. The absence of a replacement for Jhon Duran, sold to Al Nassr for around £65m earlier this year, is beginning to feel significant as the workload on Watkins continues.

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According to The Mirror, Villa are plotting the “surprise” signing of Thiago, whose form has been electric this season. The Brazilian has already registered 11 goals in 13 league matches, a tally bettered only by Manchester City’s Erling Haaland with 14. It is claimed Emery views the 24 year old as the “long-term replacement” for Watkins, a striking echo of Villa’s earlier recruitment strategy when they signed Watkins himself from Brentford.

Emery interest driven by form stakes

Thiago joined the Bees from Club Brugge for £30m in 2024, and the report states that Emery is a “huge fan” who is “keen for Villa to tempt Brentford with a £50m bid.” That valuation reflects Thiago’s ascent as one of the league’s most productive forwards.

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This growing admiration also links to uncertainty at Villa Park. TEAMtalk reveal that the club have “growing concerns” about Watkins’ form, with the 29 year old managing only one goal in 13 matches this campaign. Though Villa continue to collect points, the lack of sharpness in front of goal has sharpened internal debate.

Brentford resolve firm

Convincing Brentford to part with one of their key assets looks highly unlikely. Thiago is under contract until 2029, and the Bees have little appetite to lose another prolific attacker after selling Yoane Wissa to Newcastle last summer.

TEAMtalk insider Dean Jones previously reported that Brentford manager Keith Andrews has been given assurances the club would not sell pivotal players such as Thiago in January. History provides context. Similar promises were made when Andrews took the job in June following conversations around Bryan Mbeumo and Wissa, and circumstances changed quickly.

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January deal appears remote

Even so, Thiago’s form and contract position mean Brentford could afford to reject interest with confidence. A £50m bid is widely expected to be dismissed without hesitation.

With World Cup ambitions driving the striker to maintain weekly exposure and headline performances, his immediate focus remains defined. Villa’s interest underscores the scale of their ambition, but converting admiration into action during January appears highly challenging.

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Emery’s project has reached a level where marginal gains matter. Watkins’ numbers inevitably fluctuate, but the reality remains that Villa lack genuine depth at centre forward. Duran’s exit removed the only natural understudy, and Malen, while capable, offers a different profile.

Supporters can see the logic in tracking Thiago. His pace, direct running and ruthless finishing profile align well with Emery’s pressing duty demands and vertical transitions. At 24, he also fits the model of blending immediate impact with resale value.

Yet realism tempers excitement. Brentford have mastered the art of resisting mid season raids, particularly since selling Wissa. A £50m bid would not loosen their grip, and competition for signatures in the summer could push valuations much higher.

The fan view would be pragmatic. January likely delivers a short term solution or loan depth option rather than a marquee arrival. The real question is whether Villa can persist without meaningful firepower cover if Watkins’ drought continues. For a club chasing Champions League qualification again, that risk feels perilously thin. Long term ambition demands proactive support now, even if the ideal target remains just out of reach.