Porto Star Scores Twice with Aston Villa Scouts in Attendance | OneFootball

Scouts, Strikers and Statements: Villa’s Portuguese Trip Sparks Speculation

Eyes on the Dragão

Aston Villa were one of seven clubs represented at Estádio do Dragão as Porto beat Moreirense 3-1 on Friday night. As first revealed by Sport Witness via Record, Villa were joined by scouts from Sassuolo, Lille, Feyenoord, Roma, Nice and Marseille – all keeping close tabs on emerging talent in Portugal’s top flight.

The report notes, “the newspaper makes no mention of whom the club [was] there to watch in particular,” yet one name has unsurprisingly captured attention: Samu Aghehowa.

Aghehowa’s Timely Brilliance

The 21-year-old forward lit up the night with a decisive double, showing composure and instinct that belied his years. “That person will have seen a star performance from Samu Aghehowa, who scored twice in the game, putting Porto into the lead in the 70th minute before scoring the third goal from the spot in the 79th minute.”

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Aghehowa’s goals flipped the script after Porto trailed. “Francisco Moura levelled the scored in the 40th minute before Aghehowa got his double midway through the second half to secure all three points for his side.” It was the kind of display that underlines why Villa’s interest stretches back more than a year.

Numbers that Demand Attention

Aghehowa’s season figures are eye-catching. “The double took him to 18 goals in the league this season in 28 games and 24 goals in 40 games in all competitions. He also has three assists to his name.” He is not just scoring, he is developing at pace – and doing it under pressure, in front of admiring eyes.

Villa’s Long-Term Interest

This wasn’t a random trip. “Aston Villa have been credited with an interest in Aghehowa for more than a year and a report back in February insisted they continued to monitor him.” That’s not tentative interest – that’s intent. “We would be comfortable saying they may have been in Porto on Friday to watch him as a result, and two goals certainly won’t have dampened their fondness.”

This could be the start of something serious.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Aghehowa’s name might not yet be echoing across every Premier League terrace, but Villa fans should start paying attention. If there’s one thing Unai Emery’s squad has missed at times, it’s a young striker capable of turning tight games in an instant – and that’s exactly what Aghehowa did against Moreirense. Two goals, both with pressure on his shoulders, in front of scouts? That’s ice in the veins.

The fact that Villa have been tracking him for over a year suggests the recruitment team sees real long-term potential. This isn’t just another YouTube compilation infatuation – they’ve done their homework.

What’s exciting is the versatility he offers. His stats speak volumes – 24 goals across all competitions, but also three assists – suggesting he’s not selfish, just sharp. A modern striker with strong instincts, still mouldable but already decisive.

Some may argue the Portuguese league isn’t the Premier League, and that’s fair. But we’ve seen enough success stories come from Liga Portugal in recent seasons to know this scouting ground is fertile.

If Villa are serious about cracking the top six, they need options off the bench and starters who can step up. Aghehowa could be that wildcard addition – raw, explosive and eager. Don’t be surprised if this visit to the Dragão was the beginning of a summer swoop.