Aston Villa target Premier League star for surprise £50m January transfer

View Image

Aston Villa bosses are eyeing a surprise move for Brentford’s strike sensation Igor Thiago. Villa boss Unai Emery has targeted the Brazilian as a long-term replacement for Ollie Watkins - also signed from the Bees by the Villans.

The Spaniard had been keen to sign a new forward since last summer, but still haven’t secured a like-for-like replacement for Jhon Duran since he left in January. Now Villa could make a move for Thiago in the January transfer window - but it won’t come cheap.

Thiago, who cost Brentford £30m from Club Brugge in 2024 but missed last season due to injury, has been in red hot form so far this season. The 24-year-old had scored 10 goals in 13 appearances prior to Saturday's game against Burnley .

Emery is a huge fan of Thiago, and is keen for Villa to tempt Brentford with a £50m bid.

England star Watkins, who will turn 30 next month, has scored just once in 17 games in all competitions this season, and his form is a growing concern.

Brentford would of course be loath to lose Thiago and believes that he can force his way into Brazil's World Cup squad if he continues his current form - after revealing Selecao chiefs have made contact.

"He's a joy to coach and be around," said the Bees boss on Friday. "He savours every second he's on the grass and in the games he's a real competitor.

"There's been contact from Brazil. They're very aware of his qualities and it's a big dream for him. So hopefully we can work together to one day make that happen. It's an aspiration of Thiago to play for the national team."

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.