As the January transfer window opens, Aston Villa have a golden opportunity to bolster Unai Emery's squad for a demanding second half of the season. The club is riding high after a brilliant first half of the campaign, with ambitions of securing a top-four Premier League finish and making a deep run in the Europa League.
Addressing the Attack: The Search for a Striker
The primary focus for Villa this winter is clear: signing a new centre-forward. While Ollie Watkins remains the undisputed first choice, the team lacks a comparable profile to provide competition and cover. Donyell Malen has offered respite in Europe, but his best form has come alongside Watkins, not as a direct replacement.
One name high on Villa's list is Brazilian striker Kaio Jorge. The club scouted the 23-year-old Cruzeiro forward last year, and his statistics from the 2025 Brasileiro season are compelling. Jorge scored 21 goals and provided eight assists in 33 appearances, recording the highest goals-per-90-minute and expected goals (xG) figures in the division. He also contributed the third-most goal-creating actions, highlighting his all-round threat.
Having returned to Brazil after a difficult spell at Juventus, Jorge is entering the final two years of his contract this summer, making this a potential window for a move.
Squad Reshuffle: Wingers, Right-Backs and Departures
Villa's attacking reinforcements don't stop up front. The expected return of Harvey Elliott to Liverpool after an unsuccessful loan opens a squad space. While 19-year-old Alysson is set to join from Grêmio, his long-term development path is unclear, and a loan move is possible.
This could prompt Villa to seek another creative wide player. Furthermore, the right-back position requires attention. Matty Cash has excelled but faces little direct competition, with Emery seemingly hesitant to use Andres Garcia. Garcia's sole appearance this season came off the bench against Arsenal, after midfielder Lamare Bogarde started in the role.
In terms of potential exits, Garcia could depart on loan for more playing time. Leon Bailey's loan at Roma may also be cut short, with Villa likely to seek a permanent sale, though recouping the £19 million option fee from his deal may prove difficult.
The Crucial Internal Business: Tielemans' Contract
Beyond new signings, Villa have vital internal business to conclude. Securing Youri Tielemans to a new contract is a priority. The Belgian midfielder, who was the club's Player of the Season last term, sees his current deal run until 2027, meaning he will enter its final year this summer.
Villa have been proactive in tying down key assets, with Tyrone Mings, Lucas Digne, Matty Cash, John McGinn, and Morgan Rogers all signing new agreements since the end of last season. Extending Tielemans' stay is viewed as equally critical for the club's continued progression under Emery.
A successful January for Aston Villa could therefore involve a new forward, a creative winger, and strengthened competition at right-back, coupled with a new deal for Tielemans and managed departures. Achieving this would set a solid foundation for a thrilling climax to the season.
