Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media

Aston Villa open talks for ‘throwback centre-forward’ ahead of January transfer window

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

Published on:

06 Nov 2025, 10:15 am

Aston Villa are reportedly eyeing a move for Brentford’s Igor Thiago for the upcoming January transfer window.

Ollie Watkins continues to underperform at Villa Park, while Evann Guessand has been a flop at Villa since his summer move.

As a result, Unai Emery is being forced to look at alternative options in the upcoming January window.

According to ESPN Brazil on 4 November, Villa have made initial contact over a potential move.

Ollie Watkins looking concentrated playing for Aston Villa

Ollie Watkins has struggled so far this season (Credit: Imago)

Aston Villa face fight for Igor Thiago

Thiago has been one of the standout players in the Premier League this season.

Despite Brentford losing both Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa in the summer, these losses have not impacted the London club thanks to the form of the Brazilian.

So far this campaign, Thiago has netted six Premier League goals, making him the joint-second scorer in the division.

Thiago has become a Premier League star this season
The striker has netted six league goals in 10 matches to date
As a result, the Brentford star is already a wanted man

As a result, when reflecting on his form, Joe Cole told TNT Sports via BBC Sport on 27 September that the striker is like a “throwback centre-forward,” with an “impressive” all-round game.

However, Villa will face a fight if they want to sign the attacker, with Tottenham also initiating contact alongside Villa.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery looks confused in the dugout.

Unai Emery is already preparing for the January transfer window (Credit: Imago)

Both sides want to understand how much the deal would potentially cost, but Brentford do not want to sell their star player mid-season.

Read more: Unai Emery on verge of unforgivable Aston Villa mistake as Ezri Konsa’s price tag is revealed

Could Thiago replace Ollie Watkins?

Comparing the two striker’s stats so far in the Premier League this season on Fotmob on 6 November, Thiago is simply better than Watkins.

His attacking stats are particularly impressive compared to the England international, showing that he could be a massive improvement if signed.

Stats in the Premier League per 90 minutes this season	Igor Thiago	Ollie Watkins
Shots	0.65	0.11
xG	0.48	0.20
Shots	2.37	1.60
Shots on target	1.29	0.34
Chances created	0.54	0.68
Dribble success rate	54.5%	44.4%
Touches in opposition box	3.67	4.79

Thiago has much better stats than Watkins this season

However, Emery will need to ensure that Thiago’s form is not just a purple patch, or it could be yet another expensive flop signing from the Spaniard.

Nevertheless, everything points to the fact that the Brentford striker could be a revolutionary addition to Villa’s front line if it goes through.

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Ollie Watkins

Igor Thiago