Aston Villa Linked With €60m Striker: Do The Birmingham Club Need Him? | OneFootball

Turkish journalist Ekrem Konur‘s latest scouting report shines a light on Rômulo Cardoso, the 24-year-old Brazilian striker who joined RB Leipzig from Turkish club Göztepe for a record fee and has since taken the Bundesliga by storm. In 21 games this season, the forward, nicknamed the “Brazilian Tower”, has racked up 7 goals and 4 assists. His 11 direct goal involvements defy the typical adaptation curve for any striker adjusting to a top-five European league for the first time.

RB Leipzig’s Rômulo Cardoso Puts Aston Villa’s Summer Plans in Focus

Standing at 1.93 metres, Rômulo wins 65% of his aerial duels, making him one of the best in Germany at bullying centre-backs and creating room for teammates. Beyond his size, scouts say his first-time finishing is top-tier, and his calmness under pressure sets him apart from the average target man.

Leipzig know English clubs are interested and have reportedly hiked their asking price to between €55 million and €60 million, which is a big jump from his €30 million market value, especially if a potential Brazil call-up materialises on the horizon. While Brentford, Fulham, Arsenal, and Newcastle are all watching him, the links to Aston Villa are what make this story interesting.

Do Aston Villa Actually Need Rômulo, and Who Would He Replace?

LEIPZIG, GERMANY – JANUARY 17: Romulo Cardoso of RB Leipzig tries to score during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and FC Bayern München at Red Bull Arena on January 17, 2026 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)

The transfer talk around Aston Villa has reached an interesting point because it forces Unai Emery to answer a question the club has mostly avoided: what does Villa’s attack look like without Ollie Watkins? Newcastle have been linked with Watkins all season, and while he has led the line for years, the club can’t head into the 2026-27 season without a physical alternative, whether Watkins stays or goes.

Rômulo fits that need perfectly. While Watkins relies on constant movement and sprinting behind the defence, Rômulo offers something different: he holds up the ball, links play with good technique, and will open up passing lanes for Villa’s wingers. That is exactly why Villa’s scouts reportedly see him as a true No. 9 rather than just a backup for Watkins, a distinction that is vital for Emery’s tactics.

At 24, Rômulo is at the right age; he is experienced enough to handle the Premier League’s physicality immediately but young enough to be a long-term investment. The interest from Villa reflects a serious strategy rather than just gossip. With Leipzig asking for €55–60 million and several clubs ready to pounce, Villa will need to make a move fast this summer if Rômulo is their main target.