Aston Villa Targets Brentford Ace: Is This the Smart Choice?

Aston Villa have been making quite a splash in the Premier League lately, looking sharper than a new pair of blades! They seem to have found their rhythm, sneaking back into those coveted Champions League spots. However, Unai Emery hasn’t rested on his laurels; he knows the squad needs a bit more oomph as January approaches.

The main focus? Snatching up a top-notch striker to ease some of the mounting pressure. As the talks unfolded, it became apparent that Ollie Watkins wasn’t quite firing on all cylinders. The lad’s only managed to net once in 18 matches across all competitions— that lonely goal back in September— showing just how important he is to the team’s attacking hopes.

Aston Villa want to sign Igor Thiago

Emery is determined to shake things up. Igor Thiago has been on fire, scoring 11 goals in just 13 Premier League outings for Brentford this season, showcasing his lethal finishing skills. It’s no wonder Aston Villa are keen to swoop for him in January, as The Mirror notes (via SportsView).

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 29: Igor Thiago of Brentford looks on during the Premier League match between Brentford and Burnley at Brentford Community Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

However, it won’t be a walk in the park. Brentford splashed out £30 million to bring him over from Club Brugge in the summer of 2024 and they're likely to demand a hefty sum, potentially around £65 million, mirroring what they received for Bryan Mbeumo when he moved to Manchester United.

Will he be a good signing?

With strong interest from rivals like Tottenham and Newcastle, the competition is heating up. The 24-year-old striker, already making waves in the Premier League and still on the upswing in his career, could be an inspired long-term investment. Experts believe his hold-up play and savvy movement could be exactly what Villa need to bolster their attack.

If Aston Villa are serious about pushing their Champions League aspirations to the next level, taking the plunge for a talent like Igor Thiago might just be the smart move. Sure, the price tag is steeper than a London bus, but if he delivers, it could well pay dividends sooner rather than later. Only time will tell if the Brummies will go all out for the talented Brazilian centre-forward.