Aston Villa Now Linked With This 33 Goal Forward: Good Option For Emery? | OneFootball

Aston Villa are looking at a surprise transfer. Reports from Sky Sport Switzerland via journalist Sacha Tavolieri suggest Unai Emery’s recruitment team has turned its attention to Mexico international Julián Quiñones. Villa scouts reportedly tracked the forward throughout the recent 2026 World Cup, where he caught the eye before England eliminated El Tri in the round of 16.

Aston Villa eye World Cup striker in bold summer move

Contacts with the player’s representatives have intensified lately. No official bid has been submitted to Al-Qadsiah, but the interest is concrete. Emery wants a new frontline option to complement his squad following their Europa League triumph over Freiburg and subsequent qualification for the Champions League.

The numbers behind Quiñones are quite something. He just finished the Saudi Pro League campaign with 33 goals and 4 assists from 31 appearances, averaging over a goal per game. That output secured him the golden boot ahead of both Ivan Toney and Cristiano Ronaldo. He then carried that form straight into the World Cup, scoring the opening goal of the tournament against South Africa and finishing with four goals in total.

Why the deal faces significant roadblocks

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – JULY 05: Julián Quiñones #16 of Mexico during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 16 match between Mexico and England at Mexico City Stadium on July 05, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

It looks great on paper. Yet, this deal is far from simple. Quiñones signed a new contract extension with Al-Qadsiah on 25 May, keeping him in Saudi Arabia until 2029. While Transfermarkt lists his market value around €14m, his club are wealthy and under no financial pressure to sell their star asset on the cheap.

Then there is the tactical question. The striker turns 29 this year and has never played a single minute of European football, having spent his entire career in Mexico and Saudi Arabia. The Premier League is a completely different beast. Emery requires an immense work rate, intense pressing, and smart link-up play.

Money is another issue. Villa have around £100m to spend this summer, but that money needs to cover multiple positions, including two wingers and a right-back. Tammy Abraham arrived in January, but his long-term role remains uncertain, and previous UEFA financial settlements mean the club cannot just spend recklessly. Other options might make more sense.

Serhou Guirassy has already been linked, and his camp has shown interest. Guirassy offers a proven Bundesliga pedigree and Champions League experience at a profile that fits the English game immediately. Quiñones is a fascinating talent, but the logistics of pulling him away from his fresh Saudi contract make this move highly unlikely.