Aston Villa could make a sensational move for FC Porto striker Samu Aghehowa this summer – but only if Ollie Watkins leaves the club.
The 21-year-old Spaniard is back on Villa’s radar after a blistering 2024/25 season with Porto, scoring 27 goals in 45 appearances. According to reports in Portugal, Unai Emery is a long-term admirer and could turn to Aghehowa should Watkins be sold in this window.
Unai Emery Watches Samu as Watkins Interest Builds
Villa’s interest in Samu Aghehowa is described as serious by Portuguese outlet A Bola, who claim the Midlands side are leading the English pursuit.
Porto only signed Aghehowa from Atlético Madrid last summer in a part-ownership deal worth €15m. With Premier League attention ramping up – “especially from Aston Villa” – the Dragons have now rushed to buy out more of his rights, paying an extra €12m to secure greater control over a potential future sale.
Porto Demand Huge Fee to Fend Off Villa and Others
The Liga Portugal runners-up now value Aghehowa at €80m, though reports suggest they may accept offers starting at €70m.
“He’s a special forward. One of the most decisive young strikers in Europe,” a source close to FC Porto told A Bola. — Portuguese football insider
Porto’s urgency to secure full control of the striker’s rights points to serious fear of losing him, especially as Aston Villa look to prepare for a potential post-Watkins future.
Could Aghehowa Replace Watkins at Villa Park?
Ollie Watkins remains a central figure in Emery’s project, but interest from European giants continues to swirl. Villa will need to act fast and decisively if his future becomes uncertain – and Samu Aghehowa is the clear name at the top of their contingency list.
With lightning pace, positional intelligence and a clinical left foot, Aghehowa fits Emery’s pressing, possession-based style perfectly.
2024/25 Stat | Value |
---|---|
Goals Scored | 27 |
Appearances | 45 |
Minutes per Goal | 123 |
Shot Conversion Rate | 21% |
Analyst Verdict
If Watkins stays, Villa might hesitate to splash €80m – but if he leaves, Samu Aghehowa is the perfect ready-made replacement. Explosive, efficient, and still just 21, this would be a long-term Emery signing with elite upside.
Key Insights
- Samu Aghehowa scored 27 goals in 45 games last season
- FC Porto want €80m, but may consider €70m offers
- Aston Villa interest hinges on Ollie Watkins' future
- Porto recently paid extra to own more of Aghehowa's transfer rights
- Unai Emery closely monitoring striker market
What’s Next for Villa?
Watkins' future remains key to Villa’s transfer chain. Expect movement soon – either a renewal or an exit will shape their summer. Meanwhile, Porto will wait for the first formal bid for Aghehowa.
Would you swap Watkins for Samu Aghehowa? Let us know your verdict in the comments below!
2 Comments (last comment by JamesLove)
First read message
By JamesLove 13 Jul 2025 11:22
I would swap straight away for Watkins. Samu is young and looks like a force tbh.
By Adem 13 Jul 2025 11:21
How much is Watkins worth actually? I feel like with all those rumors about Watkins is that he wants to leave Villa for Arsenal or Manchester United. Samu is younger, he didnt made his medical last year for Chelsea, very strange we ended up with Joao.... But he's Spanish, so is Emery, so this transfer would make sense.
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